Texas Longhorns Players to Watch in the 2026 MLB Draft

As the Texas Longhorns coaching staff, led by Jim Schlossnagle, shifts their focus towards the NCAA transfer portal and final recruiting efforts for the 2026 class, the upcoming MLB Draft looms large over the team’s roster decisions. Among the ten Longhorns who have exhausted their eligibility, senior right-hander Ruger Riojas and redshirt senior left-hander Luke Harrison stand out as projected selections in next month’s draft. Meanwhile, six other players are draft-eligible, with several potentially returning for their senior seasons.

These draft projections, stemming from Perfect Game’s draft board released in late April, reflect players’ skills rather than their late-season performances on the field. A prime example is Texas outfielder Robbins, who made a significant leap after transferring from Seton Hall, where he finished sixth nationally in batting average at .422 as a sophomore. Choosing Texas over other SEC powerhouses paid off, as he achieved first-team All-America honors, batting .333 with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs. Under the guidance of Troy Tulowitzki, Robbins refined his swing, transforming his hits into home runs and doubling his previous output from his first two seasons.

Robbins’s transition to a corner outfield position was crucial for enhancing his draft stock, especially after a brief stint in center field revealed that his speed and reading off the bat were not up to par. Nonetheless, his athleticism and a powerful, whippy swing make him one of the top college prospects heading into the draft.

Another standout, Tinney, who transferred from Notre Dame, faced high expectations but proved to be an impactful player for Texas. After leading the Fighting Irish in numerous offensive categories, Tinney slashed .326/.483/.688 with 22 home runs and 58 RBIs at Texas. His keen understanding of the strike zone allowed him to draw 55 walks against 66 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to work counts and capitalize on pitches. A solid athlete, Tinney also demonstrated defensive prowess as a catcher, despite an early hiccup in the College World Series.

While Tinney’s draft projections might place him in the third round rather than the second, his power and plate discipline present a compelling case for his selection. On the mound, the Longhorns have another intriguing prospect in Burns, a 6’3”, 240-pound right-hander with a fastball that can reach triple digits. Despite struggling with command early in the season, Burns’s ability to strike out batters and limit opponents to a .181 average suggests he has the raw talent to be drafted early on the second day.

The evolution of NIL and scholarship expansions has coincided with the shortening of the MLB Draft, which now spans just 20 rounds. This change has led to more draft-eligible players opting to return to school, a trend Texas experienced last year when Riojas and Harrison chose to complete their college careers. This year, the possibility remains that several players could follow suit.

One player whose draft stock is in flux is Mendoza, who is projected as high as No. 218 but faces medical concerns following a right shoulder injury. The persistent issue may require offseason surgery, which could delay the start of his professional career. Mendoza has shown the ability to hit for contact and power, but his shoulder problems have impacted his performance and could influence his decision to return to Texas.

Leffew, a Wake Forest transfer, also has the potential to be a mid-round selection. At 6’1”, 235 pounds, he boasts a fastball that reaches the mid-90s and a formidable changeup. Despite concerns over his command, which led to a high number of walks, his performance at Texas has put him on the radar of MLB scouts.

Meanwhile, Borba, once ranked as the No. 252 prospect, opted for college baseball, which may have hindered his draft position. Though he demonstrated significant power with 18 home runs, he faced challenges with consistency and plate discipline, batting just .266. With the addition of Texas Tech transfer Linkin Garcia, Borba’s role may be limited, making his upcoming meeting with the coaching staff critical for his future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.