Every MLB Draft brings something special, a night dedicated to welcoming the potential future of organizations across baseball. The 2026 MLB Draft will be especially exciting and important for the Philadelphia Phillies and their fans, as the city of Philadelphia will host both the draft and the 2026 All-Star Game.
The Phillies will make their first selection at pick No. 36, after exceeding the second threshold of the Competitive Balance Tax.
In the 2025 MLB Draft, the Phillies selected college right-handed pitcher Gage Wood with the No. 26 overall pick. Wood is expected to move through the farm system relatively quickly, marking a shift from the organization’s recent trend of selecting high school players. Prior to Wood, the Phillies had leaned heavily toward prep prospects in five consecutive drafts.
So where does that leave the Phillies heading into the 2026 draft?
After passing on catcher options in 2025, and with a well-documented lack of catching depth in the system, the Phillies opted to re-sign J.T. Realmuto. However, with that contract expiring in three years, the organization must begin preparing for the future at the position now. Here are several draft options the Phillies could target in 2026.
Here are 5 names for Phillies fans to follow this season leading up to the 2026 MLB Draft
Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
Lackey would be a dream scenario if he were to fall to the Phillies at No. 36. Currently ranked 12th overall in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 draft prospects, Lackey has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class.
A late bloomer, Lackey reportedly had limited showcase exposure and did not receive a scholarship offer until his senior year of high school. After a slow collegiate start, hitting .214 early in his career, he broke out as a sophomore, finishing the season with a .347/.421/.500 slash line while starting all 60 games (50 at catcher, 10 at third base).
Lackey was later named the catcher for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team and entered the season ranked as the top catcher prospect on draft boards. While power has not been a major part of his profile (10 collegiate home runs), his athleticism, arm strength, and speed, highlighted by 18 stolen bases, make him a high-value defensive catcher with offensive upside.
Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
Selecting Helfrick would send the Phillies back to Arkansas, where they drafted Gage Wood a year ago. Ranked No. 29 by MLB Pipeline, Helfrick presents a strong opportunity to address the organization’s catching needs.
Helfrick has already shown advanced defensive traits, including calling his own games and managing a pitching staff, a skill set that would pair well with Realmuto’s mentorship. Like Lackey, Helfrick started slowly at the collegiate level, improving his batting average from .179 to .305 as a sophomore.
His final slash line of .305/.420/.616 showcases significantly more power, as he totaled 15 home runs and 27 extra-base hits in 2025. Helfrick profiles as a catcher who combines power, defense, and leadership, making him a strong option for Philadelphia in July.
Kaden Waechter, RHP, Jesuit (FL)
If the Phillies decide to return to the high school ranks, Waechter is a compelling option. The 18-year-old right-hander is currently ranked No. 37 in the class and features an advanced pitch mix for his age.
Scouts praise Waechter’s clean delivery and ability to command a deep arsenal, which includes a fastball, slider, cutter, and changeup. His willingness to mix pitches in any count adds to his projection. Committed to Florida State, could be a factor in where he is drafted if teams think he might stay with the offer, however his ceiling and pitchability make him an intriguing long-term investment.
Hunter Dietz, LHP, Arkansas
Another Arkansas product, Dietz offers one of the highest ceilings among left-handed pitchers in the class. He features a four-pitch mix, with a fastball, curveball, cutter, and changeup, and has reportedly touched 99 mph during fall practice.
Some evaluators believe Dietz could emerge as the top left-handed pitcher in the draft. His fastball, graded as a 70, consistently sits between 94–97 mph. However, injuries have limited his workload, including an elbow stress fracture that sidelined him for much of the past two seasons. If he stays healthy, Dietz could be a major value pick at No. 36.
Cole Carlon, LHP, Arizona State
Carlon is viewed as one of the top left-handed arms in the draft and brings a complete four-pitch arsenal. After beginning his collegiate career as a reliever, he is transitioning into a starting role this season.
His fastball has touched 98 mph and sits comfortably in the mid-90s, while his breaking pitches reach 87–88 mph. The primary concern entering the season is command, as Carlon has occasionally struggled to locate his pitches. How he handles the move to a full-time starter role will play a significant part in determining his draft position.
While it is very early to officially know the final rankings before the draft, on which players stocks will rise and drop through the season. These are the players to watch and follow through the 2026 baseball season leading up to July.