The National League West entered the 2026 MLB Draft with several organizations looking to add impact talent to their farm systems. San Francisco landed the top college pitcher in the class, Colorado added two of college baseball’s most productive position players, while Arizona, San Diego and Los Angeles found high-upside prospects with the tools to become future difference-makers. The division featured an interesting combination of polished college performers and developmental high school talent.
Here is Sportsvival’s look at every NL West selection from the first round and Competitive Balance Round A.
4) San Francisco Giants
Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
The Giants used their highest draft selection since 2018 on Jackson Flora, the top college pitcher available in the 2026 class. The Bay Area native delivered a dominant junior season at UC Santa Barbara, posting a 1.06 ERA with a school-record 133 strikeouts over 102 innings. Flora works with an upper-90s fastball from a 6-foot-5 frame and complements it with a hard gyro slider, a slower sweeper and a kick changeup. His ability to throw strikes with four quality pitches gives him both a strong floor and a potential frontline ceiling, and he could move through San Francisco’s system faster than most pitchers in this draft.
10) Colorado Rockies
Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
Tyler Bell’s path to Colorado included betting on himself after declining to sign with Tampa Bay as the 66th overall selection in 2024. That decision paid off, as the switch-hitting shortstop developed into a top-10 pick following two productive seasons at Kentucky. Bell hit .343 with nine home runs and a 1.119 OPS in 41 games during his draft season despite playing through a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. He brings intensity, strong bat-to-ball skills and enough power to take advantage of Coors Field, while his instincts and dependable hands give him an opportunity to remain at shortstop.
15) Arizona Diamondbacks
Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
The Diamondbacks may have landed one of the best values of the first round when Ryder Helfrick remained available at No. 15. Helfrick is an advanced defensive catcher with a strong throwing arm, quality receiving skills and experience calling his own games for one of the country’s top college pitching staffs. He also brings legitimate offensive upside, having tied for the Cape Cod League lead with 11 home runs before producing 15 homers and a .616 slugging percentage during his sophomore season at Arkansas. Helfrick gives Arizona a potential everyday catcher who can impact the game defensively while also providing power and on-base ability in the middle of the lineup.
21) San Diego Padres
Coleman Borthwick, RHP, South Walton High School, Florida
The Padres continued their tradition of targeting high-upside high school players by selecting Coleman Borthwick. The 6-foot-6 right-hander dominated during his senior season, finishing 11-0 with a 0.21 ERA and 121 strikeouts against only seven walks over 65⅔ innings. His fastball can reach 97 to 98 miles per hour, and he pairs it with a swing-and-miss slider while continuing to develop his changeup. Borthwick was also a talented two-way player who hit .460, but his future will be on the mound, where his size, control and competitive approach give him the ceiling of a frontline starting pitcher.
29) San Francisco Giants
Carson Bolemon, LHP, Southside Christian High School, South Carolina
San Francisco used the additional selection it acquired in the Patrick Bailey trade to add another premium arm in Carson Bolemon. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound left-hander did not allow a run during his junior season and completed the year with a 19-strikeout no-hitter that helped Southside Christian win a state championship. Bolemon struck out 135 batters over 55⅓ innings and was named South Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year. His size, athleticism and ability to command two different breaking pitches make him one of the more polished high school pitchers in the class, while his physical projection gives him additional room to develop.
31) Arizona Diamondbacks
Blake Bryant, RHP, Citizens Christian Academy, Georgia
Arizona went for projection with its Competitive Balance Round A selection, taking 6-foot-6 right-hander Blake Bryant. His fastball already sits between 91 and 94 miles per hour and has reached 97, with the possibility of additional velocity as he adds strength to his lean frame. Bryant also features a sweeping slider that could eventually become a plus pitch, along with a developing curveball. A standout basketball player and Clemson commitment, Bryant is an excellent athlete with the raw ingredients to develop into a powerful starting pitcher if Arizona can help him refine his secondary pitches and command.
37) Colorado Rockies
Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia
Colorado added one of the most productive players in the entire draft when it selected Daniel Jackson in Competitive Balance Round A. The Golden Spikes Award winner batted .379 with 32 home runs, 87 RBIs and 26 stolen bases, becoming the first catcher in Division I history to record at least 25 homers and 25 steals in the same season. Jackson also became just the third player to win the SEC Triple Crown and led Division I baseball in runs scored and total bases. His receiving and throwing accuracy will require continued development, but his power, athleticism and offensive production give him a chance to become a unique run-producing catcher, with corner-outfield versatility available if needed.
40) Los Angeles Dodgers
Bo Lowrance, SS, Christ Church Episcopal High School, South Carolina
The Dodgers had to wait until the final selection of Competitive Balance Round A, but they were still able to land their primary target in Bo Lowrance. The 6-foot-5 left-handed hitter produced exit velocities in the upper 90s and triple digits during the MLB Draft Combine, showing a combination of contact ability and developing power. Lowrance currently plays shortstop and wants to remain there, although his size could eventually push him to third base, first base or right field. His frame still has room to add strength, giving the Dodgers another high-ceiling position player whose power could continue to grow as he develops physically.
Final Thoughts
The NL West produced one of the most interesting collections of first-round talent in the 2026 MLB Draft. San Francisco added two potential impact pitchers, Colorado secured two of college baseball’s most productive players and Arizona found a possible long-term answer behind the plate. San Diego continued to trust its ability to develop high school pitching, while the Dodgers patiently waited and still landed one of their top targets. These players remain several years away from determining who truly won the division’s draft battle, but the NL West clearly added plenty of talent, athleticism and long-term upside.
If not for sports, how would we survive?