Three College Standouts to Watch in the MLB Draft
By James Moreau | 11 Jul, 2026

Scouts are zeroing in on three collegiate talents with unique skill sets and high-stakes career paths ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft.

As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, scouts are closely evaluating a talented pool of collegiate prospects hoping to secure their future at the professional level.

Georgia Tech second baseman Jarren Advincula has emerged as a potential “dark horse” for the first round.  After transferring from Cal, the Filipino American standout put together a stellar 2026 campaign, batting .434 with 111 hits and a .494 on-base percentage.  While the Santa Clara native’s power is limited, his elite speed and disciplined plate approach make him a compelling prospect, with some projections pegging him as a high-value selection.

Huntington Beach native and UCLA first baseman Mulivai Levu has made a name for himself during his three collegiate seasons.  After a standout sophomore season that included finishing second in RBIs, a Gold Glove, and Third Team All-American honors, the Samoan and Tongan talent elevated his stock further this spring with a .340 batting average and 18 home runs.  His performance at the Draft Combine highlighted a well-rounded offensive toolkit, proving he can drive the ball to all fields.

The draft also features a uniquely multifaceted situation in Stanford’s Rintaro Sasaki.  A Japanese high school legend who shattered the national record with 140 career home runs, Sasaki has transitioned his power to the collegiate game, hitting 16 homers this past season as a sophomore with an impressive .952 OPS.  The first baseman’s immense raw power was on full display at the Draft Combine, where he recorded a 115.4 mph exit velocity.  However, because he was previously drafted in 2025 by the NPB’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, his path to the majors is at a crossroads; he must choose between entering the MLB Draft, signing in Japan, or returning to Stanford for another season.