Michigan Has Strong Presence in 2026 MLB Draft

The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft featured 613 selections, and Michigan’s baseball community made a noticeable splash with at least 14 players carrying state ties onto professional rosters. From high school standouts in the Detroit area to college talents across the state, Michigan athletes were spread across multiple rounds and teams. This influx underscores the depth of local programs and the evolving scouting focus on the Midwest.

Brayden Dowd Leads Michigan’s Draft Class

The top Michigan‑connected prospect was center fielder Brayden Dowd, drafted 88th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round. Dowd, a left‑handed hitter, posted a .456 on‑base percentage and a .527 slugging mark as a junior at Florida State in 2026, along with ten home runs. Originally from Birmingham Brother Rice, he transferred from the University of Southern California before his breakout season.

The Diamondbacks’ scouting director, Ian Rebhan, described Dowd as “a really instinctual player, both in the box and in center field.” He added, “We think there’s sneaky power in there… We think there’s more untapped potential in the power there.” Dowd received a $915,100 signing bonus and is already the 11th former Brother Rice alum to reach the majors since the program’s history was recorded.

Other Michigan‑Born Picks Shine

The draft class also featured three players directly from Michigan colleges paired with high‑school talent. Nolan Higgins, a right‑handed pitcher from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round with a $421,300 bonus. Bryan Carney, a Grosse Pointe North product, landed in the seventh round with the Houston Astros for $285,400. Carney, who earned first‑team All‑America honors at Division III Olivet, posted a 1.35 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 73.1 innings.

Houston’s late‑round pick, catcher Noah Miller, hails from Monroe and adds to the Astros’ growing roster of Michigan talent. The franchise’s interest in the Metro Detroit area stretches back to Hunter Brown’s 2019 fifth‑round selection from Lakeview High School and Wayne State. This year’s haul continues a pattern of spotting undervalued athletes in the region.

• Third round, Diamondbacks: Brayden Dowd, OF, 5‑10/180, Florida State (Birmingham Brother Rice)

• Fifth, Blue Jays: Nolan Higgins, RHP, 6‑4/215, Michigan State (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)

• Seventh, Astros: Bryan Carney, RHP, 6‑6/210, Olivet (Grosse Pointe North)

• Eighth, Astros: Aaron Piasecki, SS, 5‑10/187, Troy (Muskegon Mona Shores)

• Eighth, Phillies: Wyatt Danilowicz, LHP, 6‑10/210, Louisville (Traverse City West)

• 10th, Nationals: Nick Williams, OF, 6‑0/195, Michigan State

• 10th, Athletics: Dominic Mauro, RHP, 6‑10/210, Cincinnati (Davison)

• 10th, Rangers: Evan Morrison, SS, 5‑11/200, Grand Valley State

• 11th, Phillies: Drew Titsworth, RHP, 6‑3/215, Clemson (Frankenmuth)

• 12th, Rockies: Garrett Brewer, LHP, 6‑3/181, Auburn (Berrien Springs)

• 12th, Twins: Colby Turner, 2B, 6‑0/205, Michigan

• 14th, Marlins: Tyler Kapa, RHP, 6‑2/195, Virginia (Waterford Kettering)

• 17th, Giants: Tanner Mally, OF, 6‑0/185, Western Michigan

• 19th, Astros: Noah Miller, C, 6‑0/200, Michigan (Monroe)

Astros Tap Detroit Talent Again

The Astros’ recent success in the Midwest is highlighted by their 2026 haul. After drafting Hunter Brown in 2019, they returned to the regional pipeline with Carney and Miller, both of whom bring high‑floor profiles—Carney’s low ERA and strikeout work, Miller’s catching duties. Carney stands as the second Olivet player ever selected, following Vern Ruhle’s 1972 draft, and his DIII accolades signal the depth of college baseball outside major programs.

Looking forward, the July 27 signing deadline will turn these selections into official affiliates. Teams like the Diamondbacks and Astros have already locked in bonuses, while others await decisions. The breadth of Michigan representation suggests the state’s player development pipelines continue to produce pro‑ready talent, providing a vetting ground for future league stars.

For additional coverage and ongoing updates on the 2026 Draft class, keep an eye on the latest scouting reports and team transactions throughout the summer.