Thought I'd just start a new thread for those who want to talk draft. I've included BA's final mock draft that just came out today. Of note for Rangers and Astros fans:

Rangers (16) - Gio Rojas. He has been getting mocked earlier but with so many college bats going early gets pushed down. Writers note the Rangers have been in on Tyler Bell and Liam Peterson (both were gone in this mock). I think any of those 3 are good picks for the Rangers.

Astros (17) - Justin Lebron. Lebron has been mocked to the Astros a lot but I don't get the impression the writers have any inside info. They noted Daniel Jackson, Logan Hughes, Zion Rose and Strosnider could also be fits. Strosnider is the only one of those I would be disappointed in. They did throw out Luke Williams as a long shot. Dunno about taking him at 17 but he's an elite athlete so it would definitely be a big swing.

At 28, they mocked the Astros to take Hughes and specifically said we are very interested. His position is batters box but could be plus both hit and power.

Aggie commit Connor Comeau is mocked at 38 so I have to think he isn't making it on campus.

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-mlb-mock-draft-7-0-final-predictions-for-first-40-picks/

So far draft has gone as expected through first 4 picks (Roch, Emerson, Vaughn, Flora). 5 is where it could start to get interesting.

Curiel 5th is a mild surprise. He was a little disappointing this year but under the hood numbers were very good. Could be a fast mover, which the pirates could use. I'd personally have take Burress but maybe Pirates liked the defense better or just wanted a lefty.

LSU CF Derek Curiel: Superhuman bat to ball ability with plus power. 95 Avg EV while making that much contact is ridiculous. Needs to lift more and make better decisions but the ceiling is endless. Also a rangy CF who should stick easily. #7 on the board https://t.co/VOZZ6H0HwA pic.twitter.com/oAR6A6TTTT

— College Baseball Savant (@therealsavant1) July 9, 2026

First shocker with Rose going 6th. He was a potential target for the Astros at 17.

Got back on track after Rose. Booth then Burress. Gracia is a safe pick for the Braves, though I'm not a big fan that early. Classic high floor, low ceiling.

Hacopian at 11. Seems a bit high to me but good for him!

Rangers took Gio Rojas. I'm an Astros fan but think that's a great pick for them. Ace lefty upside.

The Houston Astros are selecting Texas Tech outfielder Logan Hughes with the No. 17 pick.

— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 11, 2026

MaxPower said:

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Rangers took Gio Rojas. I'm an Astros fan but think that's a great pick for them. Ace lefty upside.

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As a Rangers fan, we will figure out how to ruin him, trade him, or see him get hurt.

I like Hughes but this is a little early so hopefully it's an under slot deal. He is the best lefty hitter in the draft when you consider his hit and power tools. There have been questions about his defense but some advanced metrics actually grade him pretty well.

Texas Tech LF Logan Hughes: Absolutely rakes. Top of class power, lifts enough. Good decisions and bat to ball, the caveat being it came against BIG12 pitching. Defense graded amazingly: was the 3rd best OF in all NCAA, posting 7 OAA in left. #18 on the board @loganhughes_10 pic.twitter.com/fDZaYbr7HD

— College Baseball Savant (@therealsavant1) July 9, 2026