The Colorado Rockies capped a bustling opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft by selecting five college players across the first four rounds. They kicked things off with Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell at No. 10, then followed with back-to-back picks: Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson at No. 37 and UCLA right-hander Logan Reddemann at No. 38. The catching theme continued as Cincinnati backstop Jack Natili went at No. 76, and the day concluded with Mississippi State right-hander Ben Davis at No. 104. This quartet of selections on Day 1 offered the first substantial window into the amateur strategy being charted by President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta and General Manager Josh Byrnes.
Bell provides Colorado with a switch-hitting shortstop who excels at getting on base. In 2026 he posted an on-base percentage of .510, signaling a plate discipline profile that could translate into frequent baserunning and run-producing opportunities in the future. Jackson brings a power-oriented profile behind the plate, combining athleticism with significant upside. He possesses the bat speed and lift to generate power while remaining a mobile defender behind the plate. Reddemann adds velocity and a deep arsenal to the Rockies’ pitching mix, along with the advanced feel to develop into a trusted starter with a starter’s development path. Natili supplies Colorado with a second power-heavy catcher who fits a more traditional frame for the position. The 21-year-old hit .339 with 19 home runs for Cincinnati in 2026, pairing that offensive production with a strong throwing arm and improving work behind the plate. Like Jackson, Natili comes with some swing-and-miss risk, but his arm strength and defensive base provide a plausible route to sticking at catcher if his approach can continue to mature. Davis represents a large-framed right-handed reliever with premium velocity. He pitched exclusively out of Mississippi State’s bullpen in 2026, and projections suggest he will remain in a relief role as a pro. His fastball sits in the mid-to-upper 90s and has reached 100 mph, complemented by a hard cutter and slider—a combination that could accelerate his climb through the system if he maintains durability and command.
Round 1, No. 10: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
Competitive Balance Round A, No. 37: Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia
Round 2, No. 38: Logan Reddemann, RHP, UCLA
Round 3, No. 76: Jack Natili, C, Cincinnati
Round 4, No. 104: Ben Davis, RHP, Mississippi State
With Day 1 in the rearview, the Rockies turn their attention to Sunday, beginning with the 136th overall pick and 16 selections across Rounds 5–20. Colorado chose to lean entirely on college talent on Day 1, adding a shortstop, two catchers, and two right-handed pitchers to the organization’s depth chart. The early results provide a clear signal about the club’s philosophy: prioritize players with proven college track records who can contribute at the highest levels and at a faster pace than typical high school selections.
There remains a wealth of talent still available across the remaining rounds, and this is where teams begin to construct meaningful organizational depth. For Colorado, the focal questions now shift to how they will further expand their pitching ranks—specifically whether they will target additional starters, left-handed pitchers, or relievers with one standout pitch. On the position-player side, the direction becomes a matter of offensive profile: will the Rockies continue leaning into power with the understanding of swing-and-miss risk, or will they pursue more contact-oriented hitters and enhanced approach to balance the class?
Start time on Sunday is listed as 9:30 a.m. MDT, with coverage available on MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB+. The Day 2 schedule features Round 5 at No. 136, followed by rounds 6 through 20, continuing the ongoing process of building organizational depth and evaluating talent that could help the Rockies contend more rapidly in the coming years.
Content Source: Yahoo News
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