On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss the winners of the draft and go through notable college players returning to school or going undrafted.

The duo highlights top players returning to college baseball in 2027, led by Oklahoma State slugger Kollin Ritchie (31 HR) and several UNC returners, plus names like Ryan Zuckerman, Ricky Ojeda, Jarren Purify, Tyler Minick, Caden McDonald, and Ethan Mendoza.

They discuss how NIL money, extra eligibility, and changing draft economics are keeping players in college longer, and debate what that means for MLB development and today’s faster-moving minor league system.

The episode shifts to draft/recruiting “winners,” highlighting Tennessee, Vanderbilt, LSU, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Arkansas, as well as non-SEC programs Oregon State, Stanford, and Oklahoma State. They close by noting Mario Pesca as a gritty ninth-round pick.

2026 MLB Draft Tracker: https://d1ba.se/26draft

00:00 Welcome Back!

00:38  Big Names Returning

03:37 Why Stay in College?

04:57 MLB Pipeline Debate

09:29 Draft: Winners & Losers

12:37 Tennessee Class Breakdown

15:08 Vanderbilt and Corbin Buzz

18:06 Non-SEC Winners Wrap

18:23 Mario Pesca Shoutout

18:54 Take A Hike!

D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital. If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who’ve worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI

D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance.

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