​The Rays strengthened their pitching pipeline by selecting Ben Blair, a right-handed pitcher from Liberty University, with their subsequent pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Blair quickly rose to prominence as one of the most rapidly ascending college arms in the class after he moved into Liberty’s Friday night starter role. In that slot, he demonstrated durability while showcasing one of the most distinctive deliveries in the draft, a combination that immediately drew attention from scouts and evaluators alike. His low-slot, cross-body mechanics create a level of deception that allows his repertoire to perform above its raw grades, producing uncomfortable at-bats for hitters from both sides of the plate.
Blair brings a deep five-pitch mix to the mound, anchored by a fastball that can touch 97 mph. He complements that velocity with a heavy sinker designed to generate ground balls, while also possessing two quality breaking pitches in a slider and a cutter. This combination gives him a broad and versatile arsenal to attack hitters in multiple sequences. Equally important is Blair’s development as an above-average strike thrower. Scouts have consistently praised his ability to command his stuff and repeat his unconventional delivery, traits that bode well for his future as a starting pitcher.
There are evaluators who question whether Blair’s arm slot could eventually push him toward a bullpen role. However, his proven track record as a starter and his consistent ability to miss barrels significantly bolster the case for him remaining in a starting rotation as he transitions to professional baseball. The Rays appear to view Blair as a pitcher with the potential to grow into a durable, mid-rotation starter, capable of logging meaningful innings while continuing to refine his command and sequencing at the highest levels of the sport.
Blair’s profile provides the Rays with a versatile option on the mound. His delivery, though unconventional, has proven effective at creating swing-and-mate opportunities for hitters and generating weak contact that translates into ground balls and strikeouts. His five-pitch mix gives him the tools to adapt to hitters across the plate and adjust to different game situations, a valuable attribute for a franchise that emphasizes depth and flexibility within its pitching staff.
As Blair begins his professional journey, the Rays will likely prioritize refining his control and consistency, ensuring he can execute his mix with integrity against advanced competition. If he continues to develop his command and maintains his durability, Blair could become a reliable contributor in the rotation, capable of providing length and versatility as he progresses through the minor leagues and eventually reaches MLB. The pick reflects the Rays’ ongoing commitment to building a robust pipeline of high-upside arms, with Blair representing a compelling combination of athleticism, deception, and ceiling that aligns with the organization’s strategic approach to pitcher development.