The second day of the 2026 MLB Draft featured a wave of significant talent and notable prospects, including highlights from Utah-based baseball players following a high-performing spring season at Utah Valley University.
Local Talent Highlights Spring Performance
As the 20 6 MLB Draft progressed into its second day on Sunday, July 13, scouts and fans tracked a variety of high-ceiling prospects, including those with ties to Utah collegiate baseball. While much of the national spotlight focused on top 100 picks from across the country, the momentum for local talent followed a strong performance by Kaden Carpenter earlier in the year.
According to UVU Baseball, Carpenter demonstrated significant power during the spring season, notably hitting a three-run home run at The Valley. This performance was part of the Wolverines' ongoing efforts to reach new heights during their March 2026 campaign.
Day 2 Draft Highlights
The second day of the draft followed a massive first day that saw 135 players selected on Saturday. MLB.com reported that Day 2 brought even more game-changing talent to the board, including relatives of major league stars and record-breaking international prospects.
The draft featured several notable picks in the middle rounds, where teams often use their bonus pools creatively to sign high-ceiling prep players or senior players looking to professionalize. For example, in the fifth round, the Colorado Rockies selected prep pitcher Tyler Putnam with the 136th overall pick. Putnam, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher from Battle, Missouri, was recognized as the 2026 Gatorade Missouri high school player of the year and possesses a fastball reaching 97 mph.
Notable Fifth Round Selections
The fifth round also saw the Washington Nationals select third baseman Daniel Cuvet with the 138th overall pick. The Florida native is noted for his massive raw power, though scouts remain focused on whether he can refine his swing to reach his full potential.
Also in the fifth round, the Los Angeles Angels selected shortstop Jaxon Willits with the 141st overall pick. Willits carries significant baseball lineage as the son of former big leaguer Reggie Willits and the younger brother of 2025 number one overall pick Eli Willits. A switch-hitter from Oklahoma, Jaxon was recognized as the Men's College World Series Most Outstanding Player.
Sixth Round Depth
The sixth round provided more depth to the draft class with several specialized prospects being taken. The Chicago White Sox selected outfielder Alex Weingartner, 159th overall, a player who transitioned from a two-way prospect to a pure position player. The New Jersey native is known for his athleticism and a 6.24-second 60-yard dash.
The Tampa Bay Rays utilized the sixth round to bolster their pitching staff, selecting left-hander Kyle Johnson at 174 overall. Despite missing time early in his season due to mechanical issues, Johnson's five-pitch mix remains highly regarded by scouts. Additionally, the Cleveland Guardians selected catcher Deiten Lachance with the 184th overall pick, a player who brought significant power as a junior college slugger and a 2026 Men's College World Series champion.
Seventh Round Prospect Upside
The seventh round continued the trend of high-upside picks. The Tampa Bay Rays selected right-handed pitcher AJ Rice at 203 overall, a player noted for his advanced arsenal including a high-spin slider and a fastball reaching 95 mph. The Royals also made moves in this round, selecting Georgia right-hander Dylan Vigue with the 209th overall pick, a pitcher known for a dominant sinker-slider combination.
The Cleveland Guardians further utilized their seventh-round selection to take Prestonwood Christian high school standout Savion Sims at 213 overall. Standing 6-foot-8, Sims is a highly touted prospect capable of throwing triple-digit fastballs.
Draft Legacy
The 2026 MLB Draft continues to showcase the intersection of high school potential and collegiate excellence. From the power displays by Utah's Kaden Carpenter in March to the strategic middle-round selections of seasoned college performers and raw prep talent on Sunday, the class represents a significant new wave of professional baseball talent.
