MLB Draft Day 2: Round-by-Round Analysis

Day 2 of the 2026 MLB Draft unfolded with significant picks after an eventful first day that saw the selection of 135 players in Rounds 1-4. Teams continued to vie for talent as Round 5 began, with coverage broadcast live on MLB.com and MLB.TV featuring analysts Jacob Wilkins, Jim Callis, and Jonathan Mayo.

The process commenced with the Rockies selecting Tyler Putnam, a right-handed pitcher from Battle High School in Missouri, as the first pick of Round 5 (136 overall). Putnam, standing 6-foot-5 and recognized as the Gatorade's 2026 Missouri high school player of the year, displayed a fastball reaching 97 mph, complemented by a promising slider and changeup.

Following this, the Nationals picked Daniel Cuvet, a third baseman from Miami (138 overall), noted for his raw power but with concerns about his swing mechanics. He has potential to transition to first base or outfield.

The Angels followed with Jaxon Willits (141 overall), a versatile shortstop from Oklahoma and brother of former draft pick Eli Willits, leveraging his high baseball IQ and outstanding performance at the collegiate level. Willits was recognized as the Men's College World Series Most Outstanding Player and exhibits discipline at the plate.

The Reds chose Dylan Bowen from Hanover Central High School in Indiana (154 overall), known for his speed and athleticism, despite concerns regarding his age as a high school selection. His skills are underscored by a commitment to Oklahoma State University.

In the subsequent round, the Phillies took Will Gasparino from UCLA (161 overall), who had previously been regarded as a top prep prospect. After transferring from Texas, Gasparino has shown improvements in his athleticism and batting technique.

The White Sox selected Alex Weingartner from St. Augustine Prep in New Jersey (166 overall), initially a two-way player, he now garners attention primarily as an outfielder. Weingartner’s speed and power stand out, as demonstrated by his impressive 60-yard dash time.

The Rays picked Kyle Johnson, a left-handed pitcher from Virginia (174 overall), who has faced challenges but possesses a repertoire of pitches that may elevate his performance, underlining his potential.

Deiten Lachance, a catcher from Oklahoma selected by the Guardians (184 overall), has shown promise as a slugger and demonstrated significant power, which he aims to harness effectively behind the plate.

Lastly, the Mariners chose Henry Ford from Tennessee (191 overall), whose offensive profile has balanced out following a transfer, highlighting his ability to play multiple positions despite finding a suitable long-term fit in defense.

Each selection in Day 2 continued to highlight the pool of emerging talent available, setting the stage for subsequent rounds in the 2026 MLB Draft.