MLB 2026 Draft Highlights Hitter Surge and UTSA Roadrunners' Triple Selection

In the 2026 Major League Baseball draft held in Philadelphia, the first round was overwhelmingly composed of position players — 15 of the first 16 selections were hitters, marking a historic tilt away from pitchers. Pitcher scarcity was linked to health and command concerns among top college arms, delaying the first pitcher pick until the 16th overall (Gio Rojas to the Texas Rangers). Notable moves included the Kansas City Royals selecting outfielder Zion Rose at No. 6, a surprise given his lower rankings, and the Pittsburgh Pirates taking versatile LSU batter Derek Curiel at No. 5.

UTSA’s Roadrunners contributed three players: right‑hander Connor Kelley (14th round, Toronto Blue Jays), right‑hander Robert Orloski (16th round, Los Angeles Angels), and outfielder Lane Haworth (18th round, Philadelphia Phillies). Their selections marked the program’s second consecutive year with multiple draftees and underscored the team’s 38‑20 record and second‑straight American Conference regular‑season title.