12 Standout 2027 MLB Draft Prospects From PG’s 2026 WWBA Championship

Calum Andersen, RHP, Canada

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: Oklahoma

Andersen blends present stuff with considerable physical projection. The Oklahoma commit stands 6-foot-5, 195 pounds with a long, lean starter’s frame and ample room to add strength. Still just 16 years old and set to be 17 on draft day, Andersen is young for the 2027 class and has already made significant strides over the past year, including a notable velocity jump.

Andersen’s fastball sat 92-94 mph and touched 96 in Jupiter, showing consistent run-and-carry shape that allows it to play effectively throughout the strike zone. The pitch could reach plus quality as he adds velocity. His low-to-mid-80s slider features above-average spin and sweeping horizontal break, maintaining consistent shape throughout his outing and serving as his primary finishing pitch. A high-70s curveball offers more vertical depth and finish, giving him two distinct breaking-ball looks. Andersen also throws a firm, upper-80s changeup with fade, maintaining his arm speed and generating enough movement separation from his fastball to give the pitch a different look.

Andersen has an unconventional setup from the windup, turning his lead foot inward until his toes nearly point toward shortstop before moving into a high leg lift. He works through a short, quick arm action that stays behind his body and delivers from a three-quarters slot. An efficient mover with minimal effort in his operation, Andersen gets down the mound well and stays mostly direct despite a slightly closed-off, crossfire element. He repeats his delivery consistently, and his combination of arm speed, mechanical efficiency and remaining physical projection makes mid-to-upper-90s velocity a reasonable long-term possibility.

Andersen shows encouraging feel for his arsenal, attacking hitters on either side of the plate with all four pitches. He threw multiple right-on-right changeups in Jupiter and landed his slider for strikes against both lefthanded and righthanded hitters. His fastball and slider generated seven whiffs apiece during a five-inning, eight-strikeout outing. He threw nearly 70% of his pitches for strikes, demonstrating solid present control with room to refine his command.

Andersen remains a projection-dependent prospect who must continue adding strength while improving his precision, a process that could challenge his present delivery consistency as he incorporates more power. His pitch mix, athleticism and repeatability provide a promising foundation for a professional starter, though realizing that ceiling will require continued physical maturation and refinement. He has a chance to develop into one of Canada’s top exports in the 2027 draft.

Dariel Carrion, C, Puerto Rico

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: Florida State

Carrion has a strong, physically mature build that belies his age, as the Puerto Rican backstop will still be 17 on draft day in 2027. His defensive ability is the foundation of his profile, headlined by a plus arm that could gain another tick of strength as he matures. The arm plays particularly well thanks to an explosive release, with Carrion springing out of his crouch and getting rid of the baseball in a hurry. It’s an imposing combination of arm strength and quickness that makes him a formidable presence against the running game.

His receiving skills are similarly encouraging. Working from a traditional two-knees-up setup, Carrion presents pitches well and has a knack for stealing strikes around the edges of the zone. That ability was especially apparent in Jupiter, where an inconsistent strike zone provided opportunities for a skilled receiver to influence calls. The combination of receiving ability, arm strength and release quickness gives him considerable defensive value behind the plate.

There’s some thump in the righthanded bat, too, though the offensive profile figures to skew toward power over hit. Carrion generates loud contact when he finds the barrel, leveraging his physical strength with an aggressive, pull-oriented swing. His operation features a quiet stride that lands slightly closed, providing a relatively controlled move into an otherwise intent-driven swing. Despite a shorter, stockier build, he moves reasonably well on the bases.

Carrion’s path to professional value is rooted in his defense, with the arm and receiving skills giving him a foundation to build upon as he develops offensively. The power is a legitimate part of the equation, but his ultimate ceiling will depend on how much contact he can make against more sophisticated pitching. There’s a potentially impactful defensive catcher here with enough offensive strength to be more than a glove-first specialist if the hit tool progresses.

Here’s an earlier look at Carrion in the box:

Jake Cueto, OF, Florida

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: Miami

Cueto is a twitchy, athletic lefthanded hitter whose quickness permeates nearly every facet of his game. At the plate, his hands work quickly through the zone and generate above-average bat speed, allowing him to cover a wide swath of the plate and distribute contact to all fields. He pairs plus bat-to-ball ability with sound swing decisions and already shows comfort working the opposite field, giving him an appealing foundation as a pure hitter.

Present game power is limited, though Cueto has enough bat speed to drive the baseball with authority when he connects and room to add strength to his frame. His offensive approach is geared more toward contact than damage right now, and learning to elevate the ball to his pull side more consistently will be important to unlocking additional power. The ingredients are there for more impact as he matures physically, even if his offensive value ultimately remains rooted in his ability to hit.

Cueto’s athleticism is equally apparent once he leaves the batter’s box. A plus runner with an aggressive streak, he’s eager to pressure defenses with stolen bases and take extra bags when opportunities present themselves, occasionally pushing the envelope in the process. That speed translates naturally to center field, where his range allows him to cover the alleys and gives him the tools to remain at the position long term. His arm projects as roughly average with a chance to be a tick better, providing enough strength for the position.

The central developmental question is how much offensive impact Cueto can generate as he adds physicality. His present lack of strength limits his power output, and his ability to turn on pitches and drive them in the air will be worth monitoring. Still, the combination of twitch, contact ability, speed and center field tools gives him multiple avenues to provide value. It’s an athletic, hit-oriented profile with room for the offensive ceiling to grow alongside his frame.

Here’s a look at Cueto during BP from earlier:

Juan Diaz, SS, Florida

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: Florida

Diaz packs an impressive collection of tools into his 6-foot, 180-pound frame, blending natural athleticism with a polished offensive approach and surprising strength. The switch-hitter generates power from both sides of the plate, with more present impact from the right, using strong wrists and forearms to produce plus bat speed. His quiet setup and direct swing allow him to consistently find the barrel, while advanced pitch recognition and disciplined swing decisions distinguish him as more than simply a gifted athlete.

There’s a level of offensive maturity to Diaz’s game that stands out. He has plus hitting ability, combining a knack for contact with limited chase and an understanding of which pitches he can handle. Rather than trying to manufacture power at the expense of his approach, he stays within himself and lets his natural bat speed and strength produce impact. There’s still room to do more damage by turning on pitches and driving the baseball in the air to his pull side, but his present feel for hitting gives him a strong foundation as his offensive game continues to develop.

Defensively, Diaz has the ingredients to remain at shortstop. His footwork, lateral quickness and ability to close ground allow him to cover plenty of real estate, while his arm strength fits the demands of the position. Continued physical maturation should further support that projection, though his athleticism affords him considerable flexibility if a move becomes necessary. A double-plus runner, he has more than enough speed to handle second base or transition to center field, where his range and arm strength would translate comfortably.

The appeal of Diaz’s profile lies in how many of his tools already complement one another. His offensive approach allows him to maximize his present strength, while his speed and defensive ability provide considerable value independent of his bat. Continued gains in physicality and more consistent pull-side elevation could unlock another level of offensive impact, but the combination of a plus hit tool, double-plus speed and legitimate shortstop potential already gives him an appealing blend of floor and upside.

Taylor Dodd, OF, Arizona

• BA Star Rating: Not Rated
• Commitment: USC

Speed is the centerpiece of Dodd’s profile, and few players can change the complexion of a game with their legs quite like the 5-foot-9, 160-pound switch-hitter. The son of a former Division I basketball player, Dodd is a top-of-the-scale runner with effortless acceleration and a gliding gait that allows him to cover ground in a hurry. There’s a case to be made that he’s the fastest player in the 2027 draft, with speed that can turn routine ground balls into infield hits and create havoc on the bases.

Offensively, Dodd employs a quick, slappy swing geared toward line-drive contact, showing solid bat-to-ball ability from both sides of the plate. Much of his best contact comes on the ground and on a line, which plays to his speed but underscores the limitations of his offensive impact. He can sting the baseball on occasion, though his raw power grades near the bottom of the scale and projects to improve only marginally with additional strength. There’s some passivity to his approach, but his comfort taking walks is also an important quality for a player whose offensive value hinges on simply getting to first and letting his legs take over.

That speed is an exceptional asset in center field, where Dodd’s ability to close ground and run down balls in the gaps gives him the ingredients to develop into a plus or better defender. His below-average arm is a limitation, but his range affords him considerable defensive value at a premium position.

The challenge is finding the right balance between physical development and preserving the explosiveness that makes Dodd special. There’s little room for substantial weight gain on his smaller frame, and any added strength must come without compromising his elite speed. His offensive margin for error is consequently narrow, placing a premium on contact ability, on-base skills and the capacity to pressure defenses without much power. Dodd will need to hit at an advanced level to make the profile work, but top-of-the-scale speed and potentially impactful center field defense give him two carrying attributes that could sustain a lengthy professional career.

Max Hemenway, SS, Washington

• BA Star Rating: ★★★★★
• Commitment: Tennessee

A top prospect in the 2027 prep class, Hemenway isn’t going to overwhelm evaluators with raw tools, but his polish on both sides of the ball makes for a sound shortstop profile. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Tennessee commit is a lefthanded hitter whose offensive value is built around an advanced hit tool rather than impact power. He employs a simple, efficient swing with few moving parts, getting the barrel to the baseball quickly and consistently driving hard line drives through the middle of the field and into the gaps.

There’s considerable maturity to his offensive approach. Hemenway makes advanced swing decisions and shows little difficulty handling velocity or adjusting his timing to stay back on secondary offerings. His ability to recognize pitches and make consistent contact allows him to maximize his offensive skill set without relying on substantial raw strength. The power ceiling is relatively modest, and plenty of shortstops in the class offer more offensive impact, but his barrel accuracy and disciplined approach give him a chance to provide meaningful value with the bat.

His defensive actions are similarly refined. A slick, controlled mover with sound footwork, Hemenway covers plenty of ground and possesses an above-average arm that fits comfortably on the left side of the infield. His movements are precise and economical, while his internal clock and feel for the speed of the game allow him to make plays without relying on exceptional athleticism. He’s a fringy-to-average runner, but his instincts, range and defensive reliability provide a convincing case to remain at shortstop.

Hemenway’s profile leaves relatively little room for significant power production, placing considerable importance on his ability to continue hitting at an advanced level. Still, a quality lefthanded bat paired with the defensive attributes to handle a premium position is a compelling combination. He will be 19 on draft day, making him older for the 2027 class. Should he honor his commitment to Tennessee, he’ll be draft-eligible again following his sophomore season.

Here’s a look at Hemenway from earlier in the summer:

John Hucko, OF, North Carolina

• BA Star Rating: Not Rated
• Commitment: Auburn

Hucko has the kind of well-rounded tool set that gives him a legitimate first-round look, combining an advanced offensive game with impact speed and the athleticism to handle a premium defensive position. The lefthanded hitter has a strong, athletic 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame that is already fairly mature, with a muscular lower half and powerful arms that help him generate plus bat speed and control the barrel.

There’s an appealing blend of simplicity and explosiveness to his offensive operation. Hucko starts with a narrow base and relatively upright posture, maintaining rhythm before unleashing a fluid, quick swing. His combination of plus hitting ability and potential for above-average game power makes for a potent offensive profile, with enough strength to drive the baseball authoritatively to his pull side. He’s already adept at getting the ball in the air and doing damage. Unlike more physically projectable hitters who need considerable development to unlock their power, Hucko already has the strength to impact the baseball consistently, though there’s still room for incremental gains as he matures.

His athleticism extends beyond the batter’s box. A plus runner, Hucko plays with an aggressive edge on the bases, looking to steal bags and turn ordinary hits into extra bases. That speed, paired with his athletic build, gives him the physical ingredients to remain in center field, where he shows an above-average arm. Hucko has enough present polish and athleticism to envision a well-rounded professional player.

Deuce Jenkins, OF/1B, Mississippi

• BA Star Rating: ★★★★
• Commitment: Mississippi State

Jenkins looks the part of a lefthanded slugger, with a strong, mature 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame and the makings of future plus power. But there’s more to his offensive game than brute strength. His swing is compact and uncomplicated, generating natural lift without an exaggerated uphill path or a need to sell out for damage. That efficiency gives him a chance to develop an average hit tool alongside his considerable power, a combination that would make for an imposing offensive profile.

The son of former NFL wide receiver Justin Jenkins, he also possesses more athleticism than his stockier build might suggest. His run times are generally average, but he moves well underway and has enough mobility to potentially handle a corner outfield spot. First base is another option, and his experience and comfort at the position give him a viable alternative on the dirt.

There will be considerable pressure on Jenkins’ bat regardless of where he settles defensively, given the offensive demands of either position. His ability to make enough contact against advanced pitching will ultimately determine how completely he can tap into his power. Still, the combination of a relatively straightforward swing, legitimate strength and enough athleticism to avoid being confined exclusively to first base gives Jenkins an appealing path toward becoming a productive professional slugger.

Here’s Jenkins earlier in the cycle taking swings:

Hayes Maginnis, SS/RHP, Georgia

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: Arkansas

Maginnis has a legitimate future on either side of the baseball, though his bat made the more compelling case in Jupiter. The athletic, 5-foot-11, 190-pound two-way talent has a quick, easy righthanded swing with above-average bat speed and impressive barrel control. His pull-oriented approach produces average power without sacrificing contact, a combination he showcased with two home runs and a steady stream of balls in play throughout the event. There’s enough offensive ability to envision a future at shortstop, where his above-average speed, mobility and plus arm give him the physical tools to remain at the position.

That arm is plenty interesting on the mound, too. His fastball sits in the low 90s with carry that allows it to work effectively at the top of the strike zone, but the changeup is the real attraction. It’s a potential plus offering with disappearing action that falls off the table and generates plenty of empty swings. A solid breaking ball rounds out the arsenal, though inconsistent strike throwing remains a notable developmental hurdle. There’s enough pitching talent to make a future on the mound a legitimate consideration.

The decision is far from straightforward, but Maginnis’ athleticism, hitting ability and chance to provide offensive value at a premium defensive position tip the scales slightly toward the bat. It’s not a matter of lacking the stuff to pitch professionally.

Samir Mohammed, RHP, Florida

• BA Star Rating: ★★★★
• Commitment: LSU

Mohammed was one of the main attractions in Jupiter, armed with a triple-digit fastball and the physical presence to match. The LSU commit has an imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame that produces enormous arm strength, with a fastball that sat 97-99 mph and touched 100 multiple times. Yet for all the attention his velocity commands, his best pitch might be the one he throws nearly 15 mph slower.

A mid-to-upper-80s changeup is the crown jewel of Mohammed’s arsenal, featuring tremendous fade and tumbling action that separates beautifully from his fastball. It’s a potential double-plus offering and one of the premier offspeed pitches in the 2027 draft class, generating nine whiffs during his five-inning appearance in Jupiter. His ability to command the pitch is particularly impressive, allowing him to wield it as more than simply a chase offering.

The fastball is a more complicated evaluation than its velocity might suggest. It flashes solid carry at the top of the zone but often plays better as a power sinker, generating heavy arm-side run and bore. Its shape can be inconsistent, occasionally drifting into the dead zone, and opposing hitters managed to square it up at times despite the premium velocity. At its best, however, the heater looks like a future plus weapon. It generated eight whiffs during an outing in which Mohammed struck out 11. A quality slider rounds out his three-pitch mix, showing ample sweep at its best while also taking on a shorter, firmer shape.

There’s no shortage of physicality behind the arsenal. Mohammed employs a high leg lift and a long arm stroke that extends fully behind his body before accelerating through a low three-quarters release. He’s already a solid strike-thrower who worked consistently in and around the zone in Jupiter, though his fastball command still needs refinement. More consistent execution and shape from the heater would go a long way toward maximizing an arsenal that already misses plenty of bats.

Mohammed’s combination of premium velocity, a potential double-plus changeup and present strike-throwing ability gives him the ingredients to be one of the top high school pitchers selected in the 2027 draft.

Trip Ostergard, SS, South Carolina

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: North Carolina

Ostergard has the actions, arm strength and athleticism to look the part of a long-term shortstop. His movements at the position are natural, and a plus arm gives him plenty of ability to make throws from the left side of the infield. An above-average runner, he has the mobility to complement his defensive instincts and the overall look of a player who can stick at a premium position.

There’s plenty of offensive appeal, too, even without the projection for significant home run production. The righthanded hitter employs a quick, direct swing with good bat speed and barrel control, allowing him to make consistent contact and drive the baseball with authority. His approach is disciplined, with sound swing decisions and an ability to work the gaps rather than relying on pull-side damage. Ostergard showed solid power in Jupiter and can occasionally turn on a pitch and clear the fence, though his offensive game figures to be built more around doubles and consistent hard contact than home runs. His speed adds another dimension, allowing him to stretch balls into the gaps for extra bases.

Ostergard doesn’t need to develop into a slugger for the profile to work. His combination of hitting ability, gap power and athleticism gives him a useful offensive foundation, while the likelihood of remaining at shortstop lends considerable value to the overall package.

Derek Yormack, RHP, New York

• BA Star Rating: ★★★
• Commitment: Vanderbilt

Yormack generates velocity with an ease that makes his long-term projection especially appealing. The 6-foot-3 righthander reaches 95 mph without much visible effort, working through a repeatable delivery that helps him consistently fill the strike zone. His fastball features lively arm-side run, and the combination of efficient mechanics, present arm strength and strike-throwing ability gives him the foundational traits of a starter.

The changeup is already a particularly advanced weapon for his age, featuring heavy tumble and fade that make it an effective swing-and-miss offering against lefthanded hitters. Yormack complements it with a big-breaking curveball that has considerable depth and shows encouraging feel for spin. A shorter slider rounds out his four-pitch arsenal, giving him another look to work with as his repertoire matures.

There’s considerable appeal in how naturally the pieces fit together. Yormack doesn’t have to strain for velocity, already throws strikes and has developed a quality offspeed weapon to complement his moving fastball. His delivery and repertoire offer a convincing path toward a future in a professional rotation, with further refinement of his breaking balls providing another avenue for growth.