The 2026 MLB Draft is underway, and Day 2 has already seen some intriguing picks. While the first round often garners the most attention, Day 2 can be just as exciting, as teams look to fill out their rosters and find hidden gems. Here's a look at some of the notable picks on Day 2, along with my thoughts and analysis.
The Prep Pitcher
The Rockies made a bold move by selecting Tyler Putnam, a prep pitcher from Battle High School in Missouri. At 6-foot-5, Putnam has the size and athleticism to be a force on the mound. With a fastball that can reach 97 mph, he has the potential to be a high-upside prospect. What makes Putnam particularly fascinating is his basketball background. Having starred on the court in high school, his athleticism is undeniable. The question remains: can he translate that athleticism to the baseball diamond consistently? Putnam's selection by the Rockies is a risk worth taking, especially with his potential to develop into a dominant starter.
The Power Hitter
The Nationals took a chance on Daniel Cuvet, a right-handed slugger from Miami. Cuvet has raw power that could make him a force in the lineup. However, the big question mark is his swing mechanics. If he can iron out the kinks, Cuvet could reach his massive ceiling. The Florida native is a decent athlete, and his power will play in the outfield or at first base. In my opinion, the Nationals are betting on Cuvet's potential to become a franchise-changing player. This pick raises a deeper question: are they taking a calculated risk, or is it a reach for a player with question marks?
The Well-Rounded Shortstop
The Angels selected Jaxon Willits, the older brother of Eli Willits, the first overall pick in the 2025 draft. Jaxon is a switch-hitter with a well-rounded profile. While he doesn't have one standout tool, his high baseball IQ gives him a high floor. Willits has been a big-time performer for the Sooners, and his disciplined approach at the plate is impressive. What makes this particularly fascinating is the family connection to the sport. With a father who was a big leaguer, Jaxon has grown up in the game. The Angels are getting a player with a strong baseball background and a high baseball IQ.
The Athletic Shortstop
The Reds grabbed Dylan Bowen, a prep shortstop from Hanover Central High School in Indiana. Bowen stands out for his plus speed and athleticism, which show up on the bases and with his promising range. At 19 years and five months old, Bowen's age was a concern, but his bat speed gives him a chance to succeed against older competition. The Reds are getting a player with a high ceiling and the potential to be a difference-maker on the bases and in the field. This pick is an interesting contrast to the Reds' Day 1 selections, which included two college shortstops.
The Athletic Outfielder
The Phillies selected Will Gasparino, an outfielder from UCLA. Gasparino has a massive offensive ceiling with plenty of right-handed pop in his 6-foot-6 frame. This year, he looked more athletic in the box and has cut his strikeout rate, which had been a concern. Gasparino's above-average speed has shown up more with promising center-field defense than on the bases. The Phillies are getting a player with a high ceiling and the potential to be a long-term solution in the outfield. This pick is an interesting contrast to the Phillies' Day 1 selections, which included a pair of college pitchers.
Looking Ahead
Day 2 of the MLB Draft has already seen some intriguing picks, and there are still more to come. As we move into the later rounds, teams will be looking to find hidden gems and fill out their rosters. The picks on Day 2 can be just as exciting as the first round, as teams take chances on players with high upside. The 2026 MLB Draft is shaping up to be an interesting one, and we'll be watching closely to see how the picks unfold.
