This week’s Draft Gems series highlights five promising mid-major college baseball players set to make an impact in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft. Key prospects include Carter Beck, an outfielder from Indiana State; Hayden Johnson, a left-handed pitcher from Coastal Carolina; and Reece Moroney, a shortstop from Rhode Island, among others. Each player showcases distinct abilities, ranging from impressive hitting skills to dynamic pitching capabilities, marking them as talents to watch as the draft approaches.

By the Numbers
  • Carter Beck posted a .335/.417/.564 line with 15 doubles and 11 home runs in 2025.
  • Hayden Johnson recorded 55 strikeouts with a 2.82 ERA over 38.1 innings pitched in 2025.
State of Play
  • The 2026 MLB Draft landscape continues to evolve, with rankings anticipated to expand to 500 players.
  • Players from mid-major colleges are gaining attention as legitimate draft prospects despite being outside the top 100 currently.
What's Next

As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, expect increased focus on mid-major talent as they refine skills in collegiate leagues. Teams may seek to enhance their rosters with these prospects by developing them further in their minor league systems.

Bottom Line

Keep an eye on prospects like Carter Beck and Hayden Johnson, who are solidifying their potential as valuable draft picks. Their performance in the upcoming season will likely dictate their stock, making them players to watch for future MLB rosters.