Overview
- The Arizona Diamondbacks selected right-handed catcher Ryder Helfrick from the University of Arkansas with the No. 15 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
- Scouts praise Helfrick’s pitch calling, framing, blocking and arm strength, and several outlets rank him among the top prospects because he projects as a Major League regular defensively.
- Helfrick’s power jump began in summer 2024 when he tied the Cape Cod League lead with 11 homers and continued with a .616 slugging stretch and 15 homers for Arkansas the next season.
- Evaluators consistently flag below-average contact skills, trouble picking up spin and a slow glove-to-hand transfer that affects throwing accuracy as the main areas he must refine in pro ball.
- Signing terms and Helfrick’s initial minor-league assignment are the next concrete steps to watch, and his selection reflects a growing MLB value placed on catchers who can handle staffs even if they hit with lower averages.