For once, it’s not too early. The Twins currently hold the second-best odds for the top pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, which shapes up as a strong class. After breaking down their lottery situation, it’s time to look at some of the prospects who could be available when they’re on the clock.
Of course, the usual caveats apply. There is a full college season ahead, and much can change. Still, this group of college bats at the top stands out for its polish and balance. Compared to the 2025 crop, these players generally show more advanced hit tools and fewer strikeouts in their profiles.
Given the wide range of potential outcomes for the Twins first round pick, this is a broad look at top college hitters, with pieces on prep hitters and notable arms to follow. In this article, we will spotlight four players, with four more coming next week. Outside of Roch Cholowsky, the clear cut number one prospect in the class, you can make compelling cases for several different rankings. Accordingly, players here are listed alphabetically.
For each prospect, you will find their name, position, school, hitting and throwing hands, and age on Draft Day 2026, followed by their 2025 stat line (stolen bases included only for players with 10 or more).
Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky, B/R (21 years old)
2025 Stats: .296/.385/.522 (.907), 100 wRC+, 10 HR (29 XBH), 11 SB, 9.1 BB%, 22.3 K%
A 2024 second round pick (No. 66 overall) by the Rays, Bell opted to honor his commitment to Kentucky and quickly became one of the better freshmen in the nation. A true switch hitter, Bell has a smooth swing from both sides and strong bat to ball skills, particularly against fastballs. While he is still refining swing decisions, he already shows above average power (max EVs north of 110 mph). Defensively, he is a fluid, rangy shortstop with enough arm to stay at the position long term.
Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech, R/R (21)
2025 Stats: .333/.469/.693 (1.162), 151 wRC+, 19 HR (43 XBH), 10 SB, 18.3 BB%, 14.5 K%
Few hitters in college baseball have been as productive as Burress over the last two years at Georgia Tech. Despite a quieter Cape Cod stint in 2024, he has shown explosive bat speed and a twitchy, compact swing that punishes fastballs. He rarely chases, though off-speed pitches can give him some trouble. At just 5’9″, Burress is undersized but athletic and instinctive in center field, where his above average speed and arm strength play well.
Death, Taxes, and Burress Bombs. 💣@GTBaseball junior OF Drew Burress touching off to the pull-side for the no-doubter.
104 EV/398ft.
1.246 OPS with 44 HR, 38 2B, 129 RBI over his first two years at Tech. One of the top OF in the country.@PB_DraftHQ @DSeifertD1PBR pic.twitter.com/GQRfMqY7cN
— Ian Smith (@IanSmittyGA) October 10, 2025
Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA, R/R (21)
2025 Stats: .353/.480/.710 (1.190), 165 wRC+, 23 HR (43 XBH), 13.9 BB%, 9.3 K%
Cholowsky has separated himself as the consensus number one prospect in the 2026 class, and for good reason. His sophomore campaign at UCLA showcased elite performance across the board. He pairs advanced plate discipline (44% swing rate) and exceptional contact rates (80% overall, 90% in zone) with real power (113 mph max EV, 106.5 mph EV90). Add in plus defense at shortstop, a strong arm, and leadership makeup, and Cholowsky looks like the most complete college shortstop prospect in a decade.
AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia, L/L (21)
2025 Stats: .293/.449/.558 (1.007), 126 wRC+, 15 HR (26 XBH), 20 BB%, 12.6 K%
After a slow start to 2025, Gracia adjusted his setup, simplifying his move to contact, and found his rhythm. The result is a premium left handed offensive profile: a smooth, loft driven swing, excellent bat speed, and elite contact ability (upper 80s contact rate, 92% in zone) paired with a disciplined approach (20% walk rate). Though he is more of a corner outfielder with average speed and modest defensive tools, Gracia’s bat could carry him into the top half of the first round if he continues to produce.
Check out our 2025 draft tracker, updated with signing bonsues, scouting reports, news, and much more!