What the Pros Use: Top 2026 MLB Draft Prospects and the Gear Behind Their Game
Every year, the NCAA Tournament doubles as the biggest draft audition in baseball. The 2026 class is widely considered one of the best in a decade. The gear these elite players use at the college level sets the standard. Here’s what each position demands and exactly where to shop it. 

Roch Cholowsky | SS, UCLA | #1 Overall Draft Prospect 

The consensus top pick in the 2026 draft class, Roch Cholowsky is a true five-tool shortstop. He was named Baseball America’s College Player of the Year in 2025 and is the favorite to go #1 overall. Elite infielders like Cholowsky demand equipment built for quick hands and lateral burst. 

What an elite shortstop needs: 

  • Wilson A2000 1786 11.5" Infield Glove H-web, shallow pocket for blazing-fast transfers — Shop Now
  • Rawlings Heart of the Hide 11.5" Infield Glove –  the glove of MLB shortstops for decades — Shop Now
  • Easton 2026 Hype Fire –  the game's most electric BBCOR bat with a hot, responsive barrel and a maximized sweet spot — Shop Now
  • New Balance Fresh Foam X 3000v7 Metal –  8-spike plate, maximum lateral quickness — Shop Now 

Jackson Flora | RHP, UC Santa Barbara | #1 Pitching Prospect 

Flora is the consensus top pitching prospect in the entire 2026 draft class. The 6’5, 205-pound right-hander posted a 1.05 ERA this spring with 124 strikeouts in 94⅓ innings, working a mid-90s fastball, two slider shapes, and a strong changeup. Power pitchers at this level need gear that supports command, durability, and protection. 

What an elite starting pitcher needs: 

  • Rawlings Heart of the Hide 11.5" Pitcher’s Glove – closed web to conceal grip, trusted by pitchers at every level — Shop Now
  • New Balance FuelCell Ohtani 1 Metal – the cleat of MLB’s most prominent pitcher-hitter, built for toe drag — Shop Now 

Ryder Helfrick | C, Arkansas | Top Catching Prospect 

Helfrick is a bat-first catcher with significant right-handed power and above-average arm strength. He and Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey both represented the U.S. on Team USA last summer as two of the best catching prospects in the country in the same draft class. Catchers carry more gear than any other position. Here’s how to build the full kit. 

What an elite catcher needs: 

  • Rawlings Heart of the Hide 34" Catcher’s Mitt –Yadier Molina model, pro-grade leather, elite framing — Shop Now
  • EvoShield SRZ-1 Adult Catcher’s Kit – helmet, chest protector, leg guards — tournament-ready in one package — Shop Now
  • All-Star Inner Glove lightweight palm and finger pads absorb and spread out shock — Shop Now
  • No Errors NO E2 Catcher’s Equipment Bag – holds 3 bats + full catcher’s kit, FatBoy wheels — Shop Now 

Drew Burress | CF, Georgia Tech | Top Outfield Prospect 

Burress has hit 58 home runs over three seasons at Georgia Tech, including leading the Yellow Jackets to their first ACC Tournament title since 2014 in 2026. Center fielders at his level combine pure raw power with elite range, and their gear reflects both halves of that game. 

What an elite center fielder needs: 

  • Wilson A2000 1777 12.75" Outfield Glove – dual post web, deep pocket, maximum reach on balls in the gap — Shop Now
  • Rawlings Heart of the Hide 12.75" Outfield Glove – single-post double-bar web and a deep, secure pocket ideal for tracking down fly ballsShop Now
  • DeMarini 2026 The Goods – end-loaded alloy, built for extra-base damage — matches Burress’s power-first profile — Shop Now
  • New Balance FuelCell 4040v8 Metal - 7-spike plate, full-length FuelCell midsole for burst and speed in the outfield — Shop Now 

Cole Carlon | RHP, ASU | Power Arm to Watch 

Carlon touched 100 mph this spring and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team for the second consecutive year. His 124 strikeouts in 2026 with a 3.51 ERA make him one of the most electric arms in the entire tournament field. 

What a power pitcher needs in the bag: 

  • Rawlings Heart of the Hide 11.5" Pitcher’s Glove – closed web, stiff back, durable pro leather — Shop Now
  • EvoShield Arm Sleeve & Compression Gear - arm care for recovery between tournament starts — Shop Now
  • New Balance Fresh Foam X 3000v7 Metal – comfort and traction for a full tournament weekend — Shop Now 

Play Like a Prospect 

You don’t need to be throwing 100 mph or hitting 58 home runs to use the same gear these prospects trust. The brands they play with including DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, Easton, Rawlings, Wilson, New Balance, All-Star, and EvoShield, are all in stock and shipping now at Baseball Express. 

Tournament season is the best time to upgrade. The gear you use on the biggest stage should match your game. 

Shop everything: BBCOR Bats  |  Gloves  |  Cleats  |  Catcher’s Gear  |  Batting Gear 

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