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 the players who will shape their future.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs focused on pitching, with Mississippi right-hander Cade Townsend (1) leading the way. Despite a minor shoulder issue, Townsend showed top-10-pick caliber stuff with a plus cutter and splitter. Texas A&M outfielder Caden Sorrell (2) brings big power and whiff potential, while Florida State first baseman Myles Bailey (2C) has excellent contact skills. Nebraska right-hander Carson Jasa (3) and Northwestern State right-hander Dylan Marionneaux (4) also make the cut.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds took a high-risk, high-reward approach with Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron (1), who has plus defense and raw power. Virginia shortstop Eric Becker (2) and UCLA first baseman Mulivai Levu (CBB) offer relative certainty, while Nebraska right-hander Ty Horn (3) and East Carolina left-hander Ethan Norby (4) provide solid options. Indiana high school shortstop Dylan Bowen (5) and Wake Forest right-hander Duncan Marsten (6) also make the grade.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers added another Ebel, Trey Ebel (1), a right-handed hitter with a better swing and hit tool than his brother. TCU outfielder Sawyer Strosnider (2) and Florida center fielder Kyle Jones (3) bring speed and power, while Southern California high school right-hander Julian Garcia (4) and Clemson right-hander Aidan Knaak (5) offer intriguing arms.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates targeted strong college bats early, with LSU outfielder Derek Curiel (1) leading the way. New York high school shortstop Aiden Ruiz (2) and Auburn second baseman Chris Rembert (2C) also make the cut, while UNC right-hander Jason DeCaro (3) and outfielder Andruw Giles (4) offer upside. NC State left-hander Ryan Marohn (5) and ASU right-hander Alex Overbay (8) also make the grade.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals had a deep, balanced class with extra picks. Georgia high school outfielder Trevor Condon (1) and Tennessee right-hander Tegan Kuhns (CBA) bring speed and power, while Alabama high school shortstop Rocco Maniscalco (2) and University of Central Florida outfielder Andrew Williamson (CBB) offer upside. Texas Tech outfielder Caden Ferraro (3) and Kansas State infielder Dee Kennedy (4) also make the grade, along with UCLA reliever Cal Randall (5) and shortstop Owen Henne (6).
