Day Two of MLB Draft Unveils Promising Talent and Strategic Picks
The second day of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, held on Sunday, July 12, saw teams delve deeper into the talent pool, making strategic selections after Saturday’s initial 135 picks. This phase of the draft is renowned for uncovering valuable prospects, as evidenced by past ninth-round and nineteenth-round selections who went on to significant careers.
Teams navigate a distinct financial landscape on Day Two. While the first ten rounds have assigned bonus-slot values contributing to a team’s overall bonus pool, selections beyond the tenth round allow for more flexibility. Clubs can offer up to $150,000 without impacting their bonus pool, with any amount exceeding that figure deducted from savings accumulated in earlier rounds. This structure encourages creative drafting, blending seasoned college players with high-ceiling high school athletes.
Among the intriguing picks, the Colorado Rockies used their first Day Two selection on right-handed pitcher Tyler Putnam from Battle High School in Missouri, the 136th overall pick. Putnam, a 6-foot-5 athlete and Missouri’s 2026 high school player of the year, boasts a fastball reaching 97 mph, complemented by a slider and changeup. The Washington Nationals, with the 138th overall pick, secured third baseman Daniel Cuvet from Miami, a player noted for his raw power.
The Detroit organization focused on bolstering its pitching depth, selecting Declan Dahl, a right-hander from Louisiana Tech. Dahl brings a strong collegiate record, including Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors and a 2.75 ERA in his 2026 season, following a 13-6 record and 3.36 ERA over two junior college seasons. Earlier in the draft, Detroit had also picked right-handed pitcher Cameron Flukey from Coastal Carolina in the first round and two-way player Evan Dempsey from Florida Gulf Coast in competitive balance round B, alongside shortstops Tyson LeBlanc (Kansas) and Dominic Pellegrin (Holy Cross HS).
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