​The Detroit Tigers selected Kansas Jayhawks shortstop Tyson LeBlanc with the 61st overall pick in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday afternoon. LeBlanc stands 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. His scouting report on MLB.com gives him an overall grade of 45, with a 50 for hitting, a 50 for power, a 50 for running, a 55 for his arm, and a 50 for fielding. He is listed as a junior from Maurice, Louisiana, who bats and throws right-handed.
“With a strong 6-foot, 200-pound frame and a simple right-handed swing geared to drive balls in the air, LeBlanc set a Kansas single-season record with 25 home runs,” the scouting report notes. “While most of his power projects to his pull side, he does have opposite-field pop as well and projects to have 20-homer upside at the next level. He displays decent plate discipline and a ability to make contact, and he proved himself with wood bats in the Northwoods League last summer.” The 21-year-old player is listed as an infielder and outfielder in his scouting profile. He was a Perfect Game First Team All-American and earned D1Baseball and NCBWA Second Team All-American honors for the 2026 campaign. He also received recognition from Baseball America and ABCA/Rawlings, along with All-Big 12 First Team honors, a spot on the Big 12 All-Tournament Team, and the Big 12 Baseball Tournament Most Outstanding Player award; he was named to the Lawrence Regional All-Tournament Team and earned the Lawrence Regional Most Outstanding Player award as well.
“LeBlanc’s basestealing ability comes more from savvy than pure speed, as he’s an average runner,” the scouting report continues. “His solid arm strength is his lone tool above average and enables him to make plays at shortstop, where he’s a reliable if not flashy defender. He’ll get a chance to prove himself at shortstop in pro ball, but he profiles better at second or third base.” The scouting assessment concludes, “He may lack a standout tool, but his high-level performance makes him one of the better college shortstops available.”
According to his college profile, LeBlanc began playing baseball around age four and also loves golf. While his childhood favorite player was Mike Trout, he now models his game after Bobby Witt Jr. for improved performance and well-rounded development.