Standout Performers from the 2026 MLB Draft Combine

The MLB Draft Combine is a pivotal moment for aspiring athletes, a stage where dreams can take flight and futures can be shaped. From June 23-26 at Chase Field in Phoenix, young talents seized their opportunity to shine, impressing scouts with their skills and potential. For many of these high school players, this event represents the final push to make their names known ahead of draft day.

Among the 140 participants, a few players truly distinguished themselves with jaw-dropping performances. Rocco Maniscalco, a newly 17-year-old outfielder, showcased elite arm strength that turned heads across the field. The son of former big league reliever Jose Veras, Maniscalco delivered one of the most impressive power displays during Day 2’s batting practice, launching three of the day’s furthest home runs, including a remarkable 443-footer. His ability to produce elite exit velocities was evident as he became the only player to reach 114 mph on the day, while also recording three additional batted balls at 113 mph.

In a week filled with electric moments, Maniscalco’s talent stood out, especially considering he was the youngest prospect at the Combine. The shortstop, who turned 17 in May after reclassifying to become draft-eligible, stole the spotlight with a 97 mph throw from shortstop, one of the strongest infield throws of the week. His offensive prowess was equally impressive; he barreled 22 balls at 100 mph or harder, showcasing a well-rounded skill set.

Another player who made waves was Santarelli, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound first baseman and outfielder. His power was impossible to overlook, as he led all participants with an average exit velocity of 110.9 mph, which was over 4 mph better than the next closest player. Santarelli’s capability to reach up to 115.1 mph marked him with the fifth-highest exit velocity of the Combine, highlighting his effortless power to all fields.

On the pitching side, no one threw harder than Wachsmann, a Colorado native who made a significant mark by touching 100 mph twice during the event. Averaging 98.8 mph on his four-seam fastball, Wachsmann led the pitching group, demonstrating his status as one of the premier arms in the class. Additionally, he recorded the top three fastball spin rates on Day 1, further solidifying his reputation among scouts.

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