Best available talent headlines Day 2 of 2026 MLB Draft
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Best available talent headlines Day 2 of 2026 MLB Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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With the first four rounds complete, the focus of the 2026 MLB Draft now shifts to Day 2, where teams will look to uncover hidden gems and complete their draft classes during Rounds 5-20 on Sunday as part of MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
While the opening day featured expected selections at the top including shortstop Roch Cholowsky to the Chicago White Sox, Grady Emerson to the Tampa Bay Rays and Vahn Lackey to the Minnesota Twins plenty of highly regarded prospects remain available entering Sunday’s action.
One of the biggest names still on the board is California high school shortstop Archer Horn. Ranked No. 54 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 250 list, Horn possesses impressive bat speed, a strong throwing arm capable of reaching 95 mph off the mound and developing power potential from the left side. Although questions remain about whether he will stay at shortstop long term, his overall athletic ability makes him one of the top remaining prospects. Horn is committed to Stanford.
Several top-ranked prospects await selection on MLB Draft Day 2
Another intriguing player is Blake Bowen of JSerra Catholic High School in California. The 6-foot-3 outfielder boasts plus-plus raw power along with above-average speed and arm strength, giving him the tools to become an impact player. His swing-and-miss tendencies have caused some teams to hesitate, but his upside remains among the highest still available. Bowen is committed to Oregon State.
Georgia native Joseph Contreras also enters Day 2 as one of the draft’s most fascinating prospects. The son of former MLB All-Star José Contreras, the Blessed Trinity High School right-hander already gained international experience by pitching for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic at just 17 years old. Featuring a fastball that reaches 95 mph and a standout forkball, Contreras has the projectable frame scouts covet and is committed to Vanderbilt.
Left-hander Carson Bailey remains available after injuries limited him to just 23 2/3 innings this season at McLennan Community College. When healthy, Bailey showcased a sinking mid-90s fastball and the repertoire to develop into a quality professional starter.
Shortstop Ethan Bass rounds out the top remaining names. The Illinois prep standout is regarded as one of the better defensive infielders in the class thanks to his speed and plus arm, though his offensive game remains a work in progress.
History has shown that Day 2 can produce future stars, and with several premium prospects still waiting to hear their names called, Sunday’s final 16 rounds could provide tremendous value for MLB organizations looking to strengthen their farm systems.
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