Well, another draft cycle has come and gone. Before turning the page to the 2026 class, I wanted to take some time to reflect on this year’s draft. I went through each of the 20 rounds and picked my favorite selection from each. These rankings are based more on overall value than simply who will be the best player—so someone like Eli Willits or Kade Anderson won't be my top pick of the first round, even if there’s a stronger chance they end up the best player. I also tried not to include any high schoolers who are unlikely to sign.
Caden Bodine was the 30th overall pick of the first round, which I thought was an absolute steal. Bodine arguably has the best hit tool in the class, posting an absurd 96% zone-contact rate during his draft year at Coastal Carolina. He also showed the ability to handle both high-end velocity and quality breaking balls. Behind the plate, he’s one of the best framers in the country and has an accurate arm. While the power is well below average, Bodine projects as a consistent 2–3 WAR player in the big leagues. He should move quickly through the minors and will be an excellent complementary piece to Adley Rutschman in a few years.
Round 2: Cam Leiter, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Round two was a tough call. I thought JD Thompson to Milwaukee, Alex Lodise to Atlanta, and Dean Curley to Cleveland were all great selections. It also hurt my soul that Brendan Summerhill didn’t slip a few more picks into the official second round. If he had, he wouldn’t just be my steal of the round, but my steal of the entire draft.
For my official pick, however, I went with Florida State right-hander Cam Leiter. Leiter missed the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, but when healthy, his arm talent stacks up with the best in the class. He features a mid-90s fastball that probably projects closer to average at the major league level, but it should still be a reliable offering. His secondaries are excellent. In 2024, he generated a 46% whiff rate on his curveball and a 44% rate with his changeup. He didn’t throw his cutter often, but when he did, it was nearly untouchable. I love the fit with the Dodgers, and if Leiter can stay healthy, I think he has a real shot to become an impact starter.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
