Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Saturday that the St. Louis Cardinals selected Oxford, Alabama shortstop Rocco Maniscalco with the 50th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, a report that stands pending formal confirmation from the team.
- Maniscalco shot into national view after the MLB Draft Combine when a shortstop throw measured at 97 mph went viral on MLB Network social channels.
- Scouts praise his defense and arm as plus tools and list him as a true shortstop, with MLB Pipeline-style grades showing elite arm (65) and strong fielding (60) grades that anchor his projection.
- Evaluators flag significant present hitting concerns—an inconsistent approach, a deep trigger and contact issues—but project average-or-better power as he fills out his 6-foot-2 frame.
- Baseball runs in his family: his father Matt played at Mississippi State and reached Triple-A in the Rays system, and Maniscalco remains a Mississippi State recruit whose next steps will hinge on signing negotiations and development plans.