With the MLB draft just twelve days away, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel breaks down how this year's talent compares to recent classes. The 2026 group features Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, and Vahn Lackey as top overall prospects, closely matched with 2024's Charlie Condon and Travis Bazzana.

The 2024 class gets slight preference over 2025 due to higher floors, despite some reordering in hindsight. Bazzana went first to the Cleveland Guardians while Condon landed third with the Colorado Rockies. In 2025, Eli Willits and Ethan Holliday had mixed evaluations but both jumped in pro ball.

Among high school position players, Grady Emerson leads 2026 with the combination of floor and power that scouts covet. The 2025 class edges 2024 here, with Willits being choosable while Holliday and Konnor Griffin carried risk profiles that concerned teams.

For college pitching, 2024's Chase Burns ranks ahead of 2025's Kade Anderson and 2026's Jackson Flora. Anderson's three above-average pitches and Double-A success give him an edge despite Tommy John surgery concerns. Flora projects as a mid-rotation starter with upside but lacks Anderson's track record.

The 2026 draft appears strong in premium position players but trails in pitching depth compared to previous years, making it a class of contrasts rather than consistent excellence.