Matt Ponatoski among top MLB draft prospects ahead of July 2026 event
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 5:08 AM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
The 2026 MLB Draft is set for July 11-12 in Philadelphia, featuring several local talents. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel includes UC Bearcats players in his top 250 draft prospects. Matt Ponatoski, an 18-year-old right-handed pitcher from Moeller High School, ranks 120th, while fellow Bearcats Jack Natili and Nathan Taylor rank 69th and 242nd, respectively. UC commit Jack Slightom could be a top 50 pick, per analysts, and is ranked 60th by McDaniel. These rankings highlight the potential trajectories of these young athletes leading into this summer's draft.
- •2026 MLB Draft scheduled for July 11-12 in Philadelphia.
- •Matt Ponatoski ranks 120th among ESPN's top 250 draft prospects.
- •Jack Natili and Nathan Taylor ranked 69th and 242nd, respectively.
- •Jack Slightom could be a top 50 pick, ranked 60th by ESPN.
- •Local prospects draw attention ahead of the upcoming draft.
- 5:08 AMYahoo Sports — Matt Ponatoski, UC Bearcats among ESPN's top 250 MLB draft prospects
"With the 2026 MLB Draft scheduled to take place July 11-12, several players of local interest are among ESPN's top 250 draft prospects.
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