The MLB Draft Combine participant list was revealed on Monday. Sophomore shortstop Tyler Bell and redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Jaxon Jelkin – the two best players from the 2026 team – were invited to the combine. Both players attended in 2024.
Hudson Brown was also invited to the event, according to the participant list. Brown announced his return to Kentucky on June 6 and has officially withdrawn from the draft, so he will not be in Phoenix. Still, it shows the caliber of prospect who will be back at first base for the Wildcats next season.
Three high school signees in the 2026 class were also invited to the combine: right-handed pitcher Grayson Willoughby, two-way player Matt Ponatoski and shortstop Robert Omidi.
This will be the sixth year of the MLB Draft Combine. Here are more details from the MLB.com story:
In total, there are 334 Draft-eligible names set to take part in the showcase at Chase Field in Phoenix, which will be hosting the Combine for the fourth consecutive year. The participants will look to display their talent across the three-day event (June 23-25) in front of Major League baseball operations departments, scouting directors and other personnel.
Since the combine was established, six Kentucky players and seven high school signees have participated. What does history tell us about what to expect when the draft begins on July 11?
