The 2026 MLB Draft is in the books, and the National League Central teams have made their picks. Here's a breakdown of each team's draft class, focusing on the top 10 rounds and their potential impact.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs focused on pitching, selecting Mississippi right-hander Cade Townsend, who showed top-10-pick caliber stuff before fatigue and a minor shoulder issue. They also added Texas A&M outfielder Caden Sorrell, who has big power and whiff potential, and Florida State first baseman Myles Bailey, who has excellent contact skills.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds took a high-risk, high-reward pick in Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who has plus defense and raw power. They also added Virginia shortstop Eric Becker, who has a plus hit tool, and UCLA first baseman Mulivai Levu, who has above-average power and contact skills.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers added another Ebel, Corona High School shortstop Trey Ebel, who has a better swing and hit tool than his brother. They also selected TCU outfielder Sawyer Strosnider, who has a beautiful swing and hard contact, and Florida center fielder Kyle Jones, who has plus defense and bat-to-ball skills.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates targeted strong college bats, selecting LSU outfielder Derek Curiel, who has a pure hit tool and high hard-hit rate. They also added New York high school shortstop Aiden Ruiz, who has plus defense and high contact rates, and Auburn second baseman Chris Rembert, who has high contact rates and consistent contact quality.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals had a deep, balanced class, adding Georgia high school outfielder Trevor Condon, who has strong contact skills and bat speed, and Tennessee right-hander Tegan Kuhns, who has a plus fastball and curveball. They also selected Alabama high school shortstop Rocco Maniscalco, who has power-hitting potential and plus defense, and University of Central Florida outfielder Andrew Williamson, who has outstanding bat speed and hard-hit rate.
Each team's draft class has its strengths and weaknesses, and the impact of these picks will depend on the players' development and performance in the pros.
