Scouts are zeroing in on the unique skill sets of Jarren Advincula, Mulivai Levu and Rintaro Sasaki who have had high-stakes career paths ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft.
As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, scouts are closely evaluating a talented pool of collegiate prospects hoping to secure their future at the professional level.
Georgia Tech second baseman Jarren Advincula has emerged as a potential “dark horse” for the first round. After transferring from Cal, the Filipino American standout put together a stellar 2026 campaign, batting .434 with 111 hits and a .494 on-base percentage. While the Santa Clara native’s power is limited, his elite speed and disciplined plate approach make him a compelling prospect, with some projections pegging him as a high-value selection.
Huntington Beach native and UCLA first baseman Mulivai Levu has made a name for himself during his three collegiate seasons. After a standout sophomore season that included finishing second in RBIs, a Gold Glove, and Third Team All-American honors, the Samoan and Tongan talent elevated his stock further this spring with a .340 batting average and 18 home runs. His performance at the Draft Combine highlighted a well-rounded offensive toolkit, proving he can drive the ball to all fields.
The draft also features a uniquely multifaceted situation in Stanford’s Rintaro Sasaki. A Japanese high school legend who shattered the national record with 140 career home runs, Sasaki has transitioned his power to the collegiate game, hitting 16 homers this past season as a sophomore with an impressive .952 OPS. The first baseman’s immense raw power was on full display at the Draft Combine, where he recorded a 115.4 mph exit velocity. However, because he was previously drafted in 2025 by the NPB’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, his path to the majors is at a crossroads; he must choose between entering the MLB Draft, signing in Japan, or returning to Stanford for another season.
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