SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26343993-scaled-e1755638181674-768x433.jpg

Rare athleticism behind the plate sets Vahn Lackey apart. His defensive chops already rank near the top nationally, while the bat has started to catch up with real pull-side power. Add in stolen base ability, and he’s a two-way catcher with impact upside.
Thanks to <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb-draft/early-look-2026-mlb-draft-eligible-college-bats/">Just Baseball</a> for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

C Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_23392656-scaled-e1755638287480-768x432.jpg

AJ Gracia proved that patience pays off, finishing 2025 with a strong surge at the plate. A fluid left-handed swing and exceptional contact rates make him one of the safer offensive profiles in this class. Scouts love the hit tool, and the power could keep climbing.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/picks"> MLB Game Picks</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/player-props">MLB Prop Picks.</a>

OF AJ Gracia, Duke

https://web.sportsgrid.com/assets/images/AZ_FanCash_Day_Affiliates.webp

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26463734-scaled-e1755638371846-768x433.jpg

Zion Rose plays with energy and bat speed to match. He controls the zone well, hits the ball hard to all fields, and uses his plus speed in the outfield. While more lift would unlock his full power potential, the contact skills already give him a high floor.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/"> SportsGrid</a>.

OF Zion Rose, Louisville

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26025739-e1755638451108-768x432.jpg

Ace Reese mashed in the SEC with a combination of plus bat speed and brute strength. He feasts on fastballs and has shown the ability to generate consistent loud contact. His defense remains a work in progress, but the bat has first-round thump.

3B Ace Reese, Mississippi State

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_25726265-scaled-e1755638524826-768x432.jpg

Justin Lebron’s stock exploded in 2025. At 6’2 with twitchy athleticism, he blends a quick bat with improving power and a steady glove at short. His range, instincts, and ability to make tough plays look easy give him a safe defensive floor, while his offensive ceiling screams top-five pick.

SS Justin Lebron, Alabama

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chase-Brunson-e1755638617341-768x432.png

Chase Brunson brings a physical, line-drive approach with emerging pull-side pop. A steady defender with the tools to play multiple outfield spots, his profile continues to trend upward.

OF Chase Brunson, TCU

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26452132-scaled-e1755638687448-768x431.jpg

The hype is real, and Roch Cholowsky is firmly in the 1.1 conversation for 2026. The UCLA shortstop has shown rare polish for his age — combining zone control, developing power, and defensive actions that leave little doubt he can stick at short. Three-level impact makes him the complete package.

SS Roch Cholowsky, UCLA

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26759001-scaled-e1755638755397-768x432.jpg

Chris Hacopian has been steadily climbing the boards, combining elite bat-to-ball skills with rising power. After heading to the transfer portal to land in the SEC from Maryland, he’ll be tested against top arms, but the makeup and offensive consistency suggest first-round potential.

3B Chris Hacopian, Texas A&M

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26343894-scaled-e1755638998829-768x433.jpg

Drew Burress isn’t the biggest frame in the class, but his offensive production speaks volumes. A disciplined approach, elite bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball with authority put him among the most consistent bats in college baseball.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/">Just Baseball.</a>

OF Drew Burress, Georgia Tech

9 MLB-Draft Eligible College Bats Worth Getting to Know

The Houston Astros, amid a three-game scoreless streak, aim to rebound against Detroit with Framber Valdez pitching. Donnie and Joe preview the matchup.

Houston Astros Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Detroit

Catch the Anaheim baseball clash! Cincinnati faces LA, featuring pitchers Nick Martinez &amp;amp; Yusei Kikuchi. Don't miss out as Donnie and Joe break it down!

Reds vs. Angels: Martinez and Kikuchi Face Off in Anaheim

Rea faces Misiorowski in a pivotal MLB game, as Milwaukee seeks to widen its lead against Chicago. Misiorowski aims for redemption after a short previous game.

Misiorowski vs. Rea Pitching Duel: Milwaukee vs. Chicago Preview

LATEST VIDEOS

2026 MLB Draft,2026 MLB Draft prospects,2026 MLB Draft bats,2026 MLB Draft hitters,MLB Draft college bats,MLB Draft preview,MLB Draft prospects,Roch Cholowsky MLB Draft,Justin Lebron MLB Draft,Drew Burress MLB Draft,AJ Gracia MLB Draft,Chris Hacopian MLB Draft,Chase Brunson MLB Draft,Vahn Lackey MLB Draft,Ace Reese MLB Draft,Zion Rose MLB Draft,UCLA baseball MLB Draft,Alabama baseball MLB Draft,Georgia Tech MLB Draft,Duke baseball MLB Draft,Texas A&M MLB Draft,TCU MLB Draft,Louisville MLB Draft,MLB Draft top hitters,MLB Draft eligible bats,MLB Draft scouting,MLB Draft 2026 preview,MLB Draft top prospects,MLB Draft early look,MLB Draft rankings,MLB Draft analysis,MLB Draft scouting report,college baseball MLB Draft,SEC MLB Draft prospects,ACC MLB Draft prospects,Pac-12 MLB Draft prospects,Big 12 MLB Draft prospects,MLB Draft shortstops,MLB Draft outfielders,MLB Draft third basemen,MLB Draft catchers,MLB Draft two-way players,MLB Draft contact hitters,MLB Draft power hitters,MLB Draft rising prospects,MLB Draft first round,MLB Draft 2026 class,MLB Draft watchlist,MLB Draft scouting breakdown,MLB Draft power bats,MLB Draft tools,MLB Draft hitting tools,MLB Draft elite bats,MLB Draft top college bats,MLB Draft breakout players,MLB Draft draft board,MLB Draft coverage,MLB Draft scouting analysis,MLB Draft news,MLB Draft sleepers,MLB Draft spotlight,MLB Draft baseball,MLB Draft SEC hitters,MLB Draft ACC hitters,MLB Draft Pac-12 hitters,MLB Draft Big 12 hitters,MLB Draft prospects 2026,MLB Draft rankings 2026,MLB Draft top bats 2026,MLB Draft buzz,MLB Draft evaluations,MLB Draft profiles,MLB Draft scouting grades,MLB Draft rising stars,MLB Draft player profiles,MLB Draft early watch,MLB Draft top tools,MLB Draft 2026 scouting,MLB Draft showcase,MLB Draft top players 2026,MLB Draft early projections,MLB Draft watch list 2026,MLB Draft draft eligible 2026,MLB Draft mock draft 2026,MLB Draft 2026 predictions,MLB Draft future stars,MLB Draft coverage 2026,MLB Draft SEC baseball,MLB Draft ACC baseball,MLB Draft Pac-12 baseball,MLB Draft Big 12 baseball,MLB Draft 2026 bats to watch,MLB Draft scouting spotlight,MLB Draft college stars,MLB Draft 2026 writeup.

keywords

twitter:card

twitter:title

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumnbail-webp/article/2120282-1920x1080.webp?v=1755707955

twitter:image

thumbnail

google

We take an early look at the top college bats for the 2026 MLB Draft, featuring elite shortstops, power outfielders, and polished hitters across the country.

description

expires

robots

og:locale

og:site_name

og:type

og:title

og:description

og:image

og:image:type

og:image:width

og:image:height

og:image:secure_url

article:published_time

article:modified_time

D1Baseball: NIL 2025 College Baseball Top 54 Rankings

MLB Prospect Watch: Top 8 Draft-Eligible Pitchers for 2026

2025 MLB Draft: 5 Eligible Prospects Who Should be Ranked Higher

2025 MLB Draft: 5 Hidden Gems Slipping Under the Radar

2025 MLB Draft: Major League Baseball's Top 10 Prospects

College Baseball: D1Baseball Announces All-American Teams for 2025 Season

SportsMillions: Pick'em, Blitz'em and Social Casino

FanDuel Casino Bonuses

NBA Sportsbook Promos

2025 NFL Free Agency Hub

2025 NFL Draft Home

Where to Watch Live Sports

Comment

Home

Articles

SportsGrid is your source for the best sports bets today. Watch SportsGrid for live sports news coverage, scores, odds, moneylines, sports betting tips & more.

sportsgrid.com

SportsGrid College Football Today

NFL Pro Football Today

Bare Knuckle Fighting Main Event

Fantasy Sports Today

The Early Line Live

NewsWire Live

The Bostonian Vs. The Book

Bare Knuckle Fighting Knuckle Up

MODUS Super Series Darts

Gametime Decisions Live

Color Up How To Win At Craps

The Smylie Kaufman Show

Daily Racing Form Weekend Preview

Combat Sports Report

LatiNation Futbol Club

MLB Pro Baseball Today

2025 NFL Draft Special

Front Office Sports Today

2025 NBA Draft SportsGrid Special

OUR SHOWS

Analyzing golf team picks with player stats and scores. Recent event changes enhance the accuracy of predictions. Smylie and Charlie talk Ryder Cup teams!

Analyzing Ryder Cup Team Selections and Player Performance

Michael Cromie excels in his debut as a stand-in caddy, securing a major win and showcasing his deep expertise. Smylie and Charlie talk the stunning victory.

Scheffler Wins BMW Despite New Caddy Michael Cromie on the Bag

Smylie and Charlie break down MacIntyre's elite positioning at -14; Scottie Scheffler pushes ahead as rain softens play. Key moments define the event.

BMW Championship: MacIntyre's Start and Scheffler's Big Finish

The Toronto Blue Jays, stacked with talent, aim to dominate the AL East and target a stellar 100-win season. Jack McMullen joins to break down their run.

Toronto Blue Jays Continue Surge to Top in AL East Race

LATEST SPORTSGRID VIDEOS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on and how to watch SportsGrid today.

Where to Watch SportsGrid | How to Watch SportsGrid | SportsGrid

Samsung TV Plus

Roku TV

FireTV

LG Channels

Vizio

Xiaomi

VIDAA

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Connected TV’s

FREE ON MY TV

Amazon Prime Video

YouTube TV

FuboTV

Plex

Sling Tv

FreeCast

Local Now

Stremium

Rad TV

Free Live Sports

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Streaming services

LIVE STREAMING SERVICES

Sports.Tv

YouTube

Download the new SportsGrid app, watch on SportsGrid.com or our YouTube Channel

WEB/MOBILE

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following platforms

ALL PARTNERS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on:

MORE ARTICLES

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos