​The Rays selected Collin Bland with the 113th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, adding a high-upside power bat to their farm system. Bland is a corner outfield/first base prospect from Houston High School in Jackson, Tennessee, and he is currently committed to Vanderbilt. At an imposing 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Bland already stands out physically and possesses some of the most explosive raw power in the entire draft class. Evaluators widely project his power to develop into a true plus-plus tool as his development progresses, making him one of the most intriguing raw power bets in this draft.
Bland’s offensive profile is built on elite strength and the potential for game-altering power, but there are associated risks. Swing-and-miss tendencies are a noted concern for some scouts, and there is a belief that will need to be addressed to realize his full ceiling. The Rays, known for their strong player development system, are betting on their track record of refining hitters’ approaches to unlock Bland’s potential at the plate. Tampa Bay has demonstrated an ability to help hitters improve their plate discipline and contact rates while preserving and leveraging their power, a combination that could yield significant dividends for Bland.
In the Rays’ framework, Bland’s path to impact likely hinges on a few key variables. First, improved contact rates and a more consistent swing plane could help convert his raw power into regular extra-base hits and home runs in game action. Developing a more selective approach early in the count could reduce strikeouts without blunting his willingness to swing for power in pitchers’ counts, allowing him to get to his power more frequently. Second, Bland’s physical gifts give him a natural advantage in exit velocity and bat speed, which, if harnessed, could translate into towering home runs and hard-hit balls that strain defenses.
The farm system in Tampa Bay has a track record of refining hitters’ approach without eroding their strength. For Bland, this means a potential evolution from raw, power-driven swings into a more balanced one—one that preserves his considerable bat speed and loft while adding improved pitch recognition and swing control. If the Rays succeed in this development arc, Bland could become one of the most impactful power hitters to emerge from the 2026 draft class, delivering outstanding home run potential and the ability to drive runs in a variety of ways.
Long-term projections place Bland in a position where his power alone could make him a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat, especially as he matures physically and gains exposure to advanced pitching at higher levels. His ceiling could include consistent 25- to 35-homer seasons with strong on-base skills and the ability to hit for both average and power against right- and left-handed pitching. Additionally, Bland’s size and athleticism offer defensive versatility, as he profiles as a durable corner outfielder or first baseman who can handle a corner-spot defense with adequate range and instincts.
For the Rays, Bland represents a strategic pick that aligns with their organizational philosophy: value high-upside players with the tools to be late bloomers who can grow into star-level contributors through professional development. His combination of elite power potential, athleticism, and a favorable developmental environment makes him an attractive bet to become one of the standout power hitters from the 2026 class.
In sum, Collin Bland’s selection at 113th overall signals the Rays’ confidence in their development system and their belief that Bland’s prodigious raw power can be refined into an everyday-impact tool. With time, coaching, and experience against professional pitching, Bland could transform into a cornerstone power hitter for Tampa Bay, capable of changing the course of games with a single swing while continuing to grow both at the plate and in the field. His journey will be watched closely by Rays fans and evaluators who are eager to see how his raw power translates into consistent production at the highest levels of baseball.