​Texas baseball fans have been left on edge, waiting to learn about the status of commits who are eligible for the MLB Draft’s first four rounds underway today, as well as catching up on Ethan Mendoza’s plans for 2027. Stay tuned for updates throughout the weekend-long draft.
Breaking early on… Grady Emerson is selected No. 2 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays announced that they are adding a player with a premium hit tool and an outstanding amateur pedigree. Amateur scouting director Chuck Ricci noted that Grady’s work ethic and makeup align perfectly with the Rays’ strong culture. He also praised the area scout, Chris Hom, for his work over the past year, and he expressed excitement about Grady joining the Rays in the near future.
At No. 89, the Texas Rangers select Massachusetts prep pitcher Brody Bumila. This pick comes shortly after news about Bumila’s UCL injury had circulated. According to Lone Star Ball, Bumila stands 6’9” and weighs 255 pounds as a left-handed pitcher who will turn 19 in January. He features a big fastball that has reached 100 mph, delivered with considerable extension from a relatively low angle, which makes him difficult to pick up. While his control is solid for a prep pitcher throwing that hard, reports indicate he could benefit from tightening his command and refining his slider and changeup.
In other notable moves, Trey Rangel withdraws from the MLB Draft. Flower Mound High School star Cooper Harris is selected by the Washington Nationals at No. 106 overall. Lake Travis High School product Cooper Webb withdraws from the MLB Draft. The Houston Astros select Texas commit Beau Peterson with the 133rd pick. Colleyville native Phinn Beaird, a left-handed pitcher and Texas commit from Tennessee, removes himself from the MLB Draft. These developments add further intrigue to a draft that continues to unfold, with Texas prospects continuing to draw attention from scouts and clubs.
As the weekend progresses, more Texas-bound talent and their draft trajectories will come into focus, and fans will be watching closely to see where their favorites land. For now, the attention remains on the top selections, the health and readiness of prospects like Bumila, and the decisions of those who chose to withdraw. We’ll keep you posted with every update as the draft moves through its rounds.