The highest-ranked Italian American prospect on MLB Pipeline entering the next draft cycle is Rocco Maniscalco, a shortstop at Oxford High School in Alabama. Maniscalco has rapidly ascended draft boards after reclassifying from the 2027 class and now projects as a potential first-round selection in 2026.
MLB.com draft analyst Jim Callis currently has Maniscalco slotted 22nd overall to the Detroit Tigers in his latest mock draft. Callis has noted similarities between Maniscalco and Eli Willits, the reclassified prep shortstop who went No. 1 overall in 2025, citing Maniscalco’s advanced feel for hitting and projection, while acknowledging slightly less speed but more power potential.
