Dynasty Baseball: My Top 7 Hitter Steals of the 2026 MLB Draft

Every MLB Draft is remembered for its first-round stars, but history has shown that some of the best offensive players emerge from selections made well after the opening night. Elite hitters often slide because of questions surrounding defensive position, signability, or perceived limitations in one area of their game. Organizations willing to trust the bat frequently walk away with tremendous value.

The 2026 MLB Draft appears to be no exception. Several hitters with impact offensive tools were selected outside of the first round, giving their new organizations an opportunity to develop players capable of becoming everyday major leaguers. These seven position players possess the combination of offensive upside, baseball instincts, and organizational fit that could allow them to significantly outperform their draft position.

Dynasty Baseball: My Top 7 Hitter Steals of the 2026 MLB Draft

What I Looked For:

These rankings aren’t simply based on where players were drafted. I evaluated each hitter by considering four key factors:

• Offensive upside (hit tool, power potential, plate discipline, and overall offensive impact)
• Long-term projection (physical development, athleticism, and room for growth)
• Value relative to draft position (how much talent was available when the player was selected)
• Organizational fit and the likelihood that the drafting club can maximize the player’s development

While some hitters project as safer bets than others, every player on this list has the tools to significantly outperform his draft slot. Whether through elite bat-to-ball skills, middle-of-the-order power, defensive versatility, or exceptional baseball instincts, each has the potential to become one of the biggest offensive steals of the 2026 MLB Draft.

1. Jarren Advincula, 2B – Los Angeles Angels (No. 45 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 60 (Above-Average Everyday Infielder)

Scouting Profile

Few hitters in the 2026 draft class matched Advincula’s offensive consistency. The Georgia Tech second baseman combines elite bat-to-ball skills with outstanding strike-zone discipline, rarely giving away an at-bat. While he isn’t known for overwhelming power, his ability to consistently barrel baseballs projects to make him one of the toughest outs in professional baseball. His quick hands and compact swing should allow him to move rapidly through the Angels’ system.

Hit: 70
Power: 50
Run: 55
Field: 55
Arm: 50

2. Mulivai Levu, 1B – Cincinnati Reds (No. 70 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 55 (Middle-of-the-Order Run Producer)

Scouting Profile

Levu quietly developed into one of college baseball’s best left-handed power bats during his career at UCLA. His combination of strength, leverage, and plate discipline gives him legitimate middle-of-the-order upside. While first base places additional pressure on the bat, Levu has shown enough offensive polish to project as an impact run producer. Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly home park only enhances his long-term value.

Hit: 55
Power: 65
Run: 40
Field: 50
Arm: 50

3. Landon Thome, INF – Chicago White Sox (No. 34 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 60 (Above-Average Everyday Infielder)

Scouting Profile

The son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome, Landon has developed into far more than simply a recognizable name. He features one of the most polished offensive approaches among prep hitters in the draft and consistently demonstrates advanced barrel control. While he may eventually move from shortstop to second or third base, his offensive profile should comfortably support the transition. His baseball IQ and maturity give him an excellent foundation for professional development.

Hit: 60
Power: 60
Run: 50
Field: 50
Arm: 55

4. Daniel Jackson, C – Colorado Rockies (No. 37 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 60 (Impact Offensive Catcher)

Scouting Profile

Jackson enters professional baseball following one of the greatest offensive seasons by a college catcher in recent memory. His combination of home-run power, athleticism, and offensive production makes him one of the most intriguing bats in the class. While his defensive game continues to develop, his offensive ceiling could make him one of the game’s better run-producing catchers, particularly in Colorado’s hitter-friendly environment.

Hit: 60
Power: 70
Run: 55
Field: 45
Arm: 60

5. Aiden Robbins, OF – New York Mets (No. 92 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 55 (Everyday Corner Outfielder)

Scouting Profile

Robbins may end up being one of the most underrated bats selected on Day Two of the draft. A physical outfielder with a smooth left-handed swing, he consistently produces hard contact to all fields while showing the patience to work deep counts. His combination of developing power and athleticism gives him everyday potential, and the Mets’ player development staff should allow him to continue refining his offensive approach. If the power fully develops, Robbins could settle into the middle of a major league lineup.

Hit: 55
Power: 60
Run: 55
Field: 55
Arm: 55

6. Bo Lowrance, INF – Los Angeles Dodgers (No. 40 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 60 (Above-Average Everyday Infielder)

Scouting Profile

Few organizations maximize offensive talent as consistently as the Dodgers, making Lowrance one of the more intriguing value picks in the draft. He possesses a compact, repeatable swing with advanced barrel control and an impressive understanding of the strike zone. Defensively, he has the versatility to handle multiple infield positions while providing reliable hands and instincts. His balanced skill set gives him one of the higher floors among hitters selected outside the opening round.

Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 50
Field: 60
Arm: 55

7. Caden Sorell, OF – Chicago Cubs (No. 62 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 55 (Everyday Outfielder)

Scouting Profile

Sorell offers one of the better combinations of athleticism and offensive upside among prep outfielders in the 2026 class. He has quick hands, above-average bat speed, and the strength to grow into additional power as he matures physically. Defensively, his speed allows him to cover plenty of ground while his arm profiles comfortably in either center or right field. Chicago’s recent emphasis on player development makes this an excellent landing spot for a player with significant long-term upside.

Hit: 55
Power: 55
Run: 60
Field: 60
Arm: 55

Honorable Mention (Bonus Pick for those who made it to the end!)

Elliot Lascalles, SS – San Diego Padres (No. 158 Overall)

Overall Future Value: 50 (Everyday Utility Infielder with Upside)

Scouting Profile

Finding a player with Lascalles’ all-around ability in the fifth round could prove to be one of the better values of the entire draft. The athletic shortstop combines smooth defensive actions with an advanced offensive approach rarely seen in later-round selections. While none of his individual tools are elite, he does nearly everything well and possesses the baseball instincts that often allow players to outperform expectations. Given San Diego’s strong track record of developing athletic position players, Lascalles has every opportunity to exceed his draft position.

Hit: 55
Power: 50
Run: 60
Field: 60
Arm: 55

Every draft class produces hitters who outperform expectations, and the 2026 MLB Draft appears to have several candidates ready to do just that. While the first-round selections deservedly command the headlines, these seven position players offer outstanding value because of their offensive ceilings, advanced approaches, and long-term developmental potential.

Jarren Advincula headlines the group with one of the purest bats in the class, while Daniel Jackson and Landon Thome bring impact offensive upside at premium positions. Mulivai Levu has the tools to become a middle-of-the-order power threat, Bo Lowrance provides one of the most polished all-around offensive profiles outside the first round, and both Aiden Robbins and Caden Sorell offer the athleticism and offensive projection to become everyday major league outfielders. Even fifth-round selection Elliot Lascalles has the baseball instincts and versatility to emerge as one of the draft’s hidden gems.

Years from now, it wouldn’t be surprising if several of these hitters are remembered as some of the biggest bargains of the 2026 MLB Draft. Their talent, combined with strong organizational fits, gives each of them an opportunity to significantly outperform their draft slot and become valuable contributors at the major league level.