​A vast number of childhood baseball dreams are set to come true this weekend as the 2026 MLB Draft unfolds in Philadelphia, where the sport’s next generation of talented players and future stars will be welcomed into the professional ranks. Among the hopefuls are several players with roots on the Jersey Shore, who look poised to hear their names called during one of baseball’s most anticipated weekends.
One standout is AJ Gracia, a left-handed hitting outfielder who starred at Ranney School in Tinton Falls during his high school days. MLB.com’s prospect list has him pegged for a first-round selection, a mark that underscores his continued development. In his most recent collegiate season with Virginia, Gracia posted a .354 batting average, belted 14 home runs, and drove in 48 runs. Before joining the Cavaliers, he spent two years at Duke, where he left a notable mark by setting a pair of program freshman records: 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.
Another name to watch is Reece Moroney from Rumson-Fair Haven High School. Moroney earned an invitation to the 2026 MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field in Phoenix, reflecting his status as a standout prospect. He continued to build his résumé at the University of Rhode Island, competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference. In May, Moroney broke the single-season record for hits with 88, showcasing his ability to consistently produce at the plate. Moroney is an infielder who has just completed his junior season, and his developing skill set has the potential to draw the attention of MLB clubs.
There’s also Zach Crocthfelt, a left-handed pitcher from Jackson Memorial High, now part of Jackson Township High. Crocthfelt recently completed his senior year at Troy University in Alabama, where he earned a spot on the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team. He previously spent his junior season on the mound at Texas Tech and began his collegiate career at Auburn. While he may not carry the same level of hype as Moroney or Gracia, Crocthfelt remains a viable prospect capable of hearing his name called during the draft.
Last year, two locally grown players advanced to the professional level. Wall High School alum Andrew Fischer was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the MLB Draft, receiving the 20th overall pick. Fischer has progressed to the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers, where he has delivered an impressive season: 28 home runs, 64 RBIs, and a .304 batting average. In the second round, Central Regional’s Cam Leiter, who spent his final two collegiate seasons at Florida State, was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 65th overall pick. Leiter is currently playing in Class A for the Ontario Tower Buzzers, and this season has recorded 16 hits with a .224 batting average.
The broadcast plan for the 2026 MLB Draft includes NBC and Peacock carrying the first 10 picks. Later selections, from 11 through 40, will be shown on MLB Network, as well as MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB+. Picks 41 through 135 will be available on MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB+. The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, in Philadelphia. The first day will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET, followed by Day Two actions that will continue to shape the rosters for years to come.