Today, we’ll be focusing on college outfielders who could see their draft stock climb throughout the 2026 season. Each of these players has shown real flashes of potential, whether it’s through consistent offensive growth or carrying tools that could single-handedly take a guy to the next level. With another year of development, they have a chance to turn those glimpses into stronger draft consideration. Between returning starters and high-level transfers, I’ll be diving into 10 power conference outfielders who could make major strides this season.
Alex Conover, Oklahoma State
6’4 / 200lbs
Entering the year as the projected left fielder for one of the most talented outfields in America, Alex Conover has the chance to make a name for himself on an Oklahoma State squad coming off a down year for their standards. In 2025, Conover posted a solid .843 OPS for the Cowboys, then followed it with a .988 OPS in the Appy League. He’ll look to build on that momentum this season. One of the main selling points for the lefty is that there are no glaring flaws in his game. On top of having a high floor type of profile, he makes hard contact at a more consistent rate than almost anybody in college baseball, elevating his ceiling as well. In his sophomore season, he ran a 66% hard hit rate with a 34% barrel rate and an average EV of 94. It cannot be overstated how impressive those numbers are. And it’s not just the power; he features a beautiful left-handed swing that enables very serviceable bat-to-ball skills. The speed might not blow you away on the base paths, but it plays well enough to close ground in the gaps and come up with the occasional diving grab, like we saw from him several times in ’25. With room to put on a little more muscle, his frame is very projectable and could be a driving force in elevating his game power to a double-plus grade before all is said and done. If Conover starts getting to his pull side more regularly and limits the strikeouts by staying off breaking balls out of the zone, I firmly believe he could be a Day 1 guy in July and reward a team for taking a chance on him.
Peyton Bonds, Rutgers
6’5 / 225lbs
Coming off a season that fell short of expectations, Peyton Bonds enters his junior season with clear breakout potential. The 6’5” center fielder has the attention of many scouts around the country, despite only running a .814 OPS in Piscataway. Bonds’ physical frame, highlighted by a strong lower half, is a key factor in his potential for plus raw power. This juice was displayed through metrics such as a 106 mph 90th percentile EV and 90 mph average EV. The swing decisions can be questionable more than you’d prefer, but he has still posted an impressive 73% OCon while taking a chance on 35% of pitches outside of the zone. Pairing impactful pop with a 19% whiff rate is a recipe for success, and should continue to help him produce at an improved rate. As for the defense, it’s nothing flashy, but it certainly gets the job done. Bonds is a quality runner who makes solid reads on the ball in center field and employs solid arm strength that could play in right field, as well. To the naked eye, the main aspect of his swing mechanics that could use improvement would be the rotation through his shoulders. With most of his value coming at the dish, a slight adjustment there could add some visual appeal to a profile that already shows real potential. Don’t be surprised if Bonds emerges as the star of the Rutgers lineup this season and forces scouts to take notice as he lights up Big Ten arms.
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MLB Draft Analyst & College Baseball Now Podcast Co-Host