Episode 131: The Top 100 Update, Konnor Griffin & NIL Draft Implications

Ben and Carlos catch up on what they’ve been up to over the last few weeks. The two talk about the growing excitement for 2026 UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, then get into a conversation about the July Top 100 update. How good is Konnor Griffin going to be? Who are the players beyond him who have viable cases to be the No. 1 prospect in the game? Is Kayson Cunningham this year’s Kevin McGonigle? Up-arrow pitchers including Jonah Tong, Trey Yesavage and Orioles flamethrower Esteban Mejia. The two talk about potential draft sleepers, why NIL has created a new ballgame for signability talks with college players and then discuss whether or not drafting for need is a realistic strategy to employ. — Time Stamps: (0:00) What we’ve been up to (7:00) Roch Cholowsky (15:30) Konnor Griffin (28:30) Third base value & the defensive spectrum (32:30) Other No. 1 prospect candidates (40:30) Kevin McGonigle vs. Kayson Cunningham (45:00) Jonah Tong & Trey Yesavage (50:20) Esteban Mejia (55:00) Mike Sirota esque draft sleepers (1:00:00) Players having increased leverage in college (1:07:00) Is drafting for need now more realistic in the draft? Do you have a question or feedback for the show? Email us: futureprojection@baseballamerica.com Ben's Twitter: @BenBadler Carlos's Newsletter: Fringe Average Baseball America Website Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/future-projection-a-baseball-america-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy