Memphis News: Memphis Makes Its Mark: Three Mid-South High School Stars Selected on First Day of MLB Draft

By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose

Three local high school baseball standouts: Cole Prosek, Will Brick, and Collin Bland: made history this week by being selected on the opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft. Their selection not only propels these young men into the professional spotlight but also solidifies the Mid-South as one of the nation's premier hubs for elite athletic talent and character-driven development.

The first 24 hours of the draft were a whirlwind for Memphis-area families and fans. Cole Prosek of Magnolia Heights was taken 41st overall by the Chicago White Sox, while Collin Bland of Houston High School and Will Brick of Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) followed closely, going to the Tampa Bay Rays (113th) and Toronto Blue Jays (131st), respectively. This collective achievement serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when talent meets tireless discipline and a supportive community.

The Big Three: A Draft Day Breakdown

The energy in Memphis was palpable as the names of our local sons were called across the national broadcast. This wasn't just a win for the individual players; it was a win for the "Bluff City vibes" that define our sports culture: grit, grind, and glory.

Cole Prosek: The Powerhouse from Magnolia Heights

Cole Prosek, a middle infielder known for his explosive bat and versatility, was the first of the trio to hear his name. Selected as the 41st overall pick by the Chicago White Sox, Prosek’s scouting report is nothing short of spectacular. At the MLB Draft Combine, his exit velocity reached a staggering 104.9 mph. For the White Sox, Prosek represents a future cornerstone: a player who can hold down second base or move to the hot corner (third base) with ease. As an Ole Miss signee, Cole now faces the life-altering decision of heading to Oxford or beginning his professional journey in the Chicago farm system.

Collin Bland: Houston High’s Ace in the Hole

Going 113th overall to the Tampa Bay Rays, Collin Bland represents the standard of excellence maintained at Houston High School. Bland, a Vanderbilt signee, is widely regarded for his high baseball IQ and poise under pressure. The Rays, a franchise famous for developing young talent, clearly saw a reflection of their own values in Bland’s performance. Whether he chooses the prestigious Commodore path or the Rays' development pipeline, his future is exceptionally bright.

Will Brick: The CBHS Tradition Continues

Christian Brothers High School has a storied history of producing professional-grade athletes, and Will Brick is the latest to carry that torch. Selected 131st by the Toronto Blue Jays, Brick is a Mississippi State signee who brings a combination of physical tools and mental toughness to the table. His selection is a testament to the rigorous standards of the CBHS program and the community that rallies behind the Purple and Gold.

The Talent Pipeline: Why Memphis Wins

Why does Memphis continue to produce such high-caliber athletes? It’s not just about the humidity or the soil; it’s about the soul of the city. In Memphis, we understand that sports are a training ground for life. Our youth programs, from the competitive leagues in Shelby County to the private school powerhouses, emphasize more than just batting averages. They focus on the "Christian Peacemaker" strategy: teaching young men how to compete with intensity while maintaining peace in the storm of high-pressure games.

When we see players like Prosek, Brick, and Bland succeed, we are seeing the fruit of years of investment. Parents driving to 6:00 AM practices, coaches staying late to work on a swing, and mentors teaching the value of a strong work ethic. In a world that often highlights the negative, these stories are a "Green Light" for our city. They show that excellence is alive and well in every Memphis neighborhood.

For those looking to build their own leadership skills or find their footing in a noisy world, I often recommend reflecting on how we hear God's voice amidst the clamor of success. You can explore more on this in our guide on how to hear God's voice when life is noisy.

Navigating the Decision: College vs. The Pros

For these three stars, the draft is only the beginning of a complex decision-making process. The deadline to sign is July 27.

1. The College Route: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State are all legendary programs. For these young men, college offers an education, a chance to mature further, and the unique experience of playing in the SEC.

2. The Professional Route: Signing a pro contract means starting the "grind" immediately. It involves minor league bus rides, intense daily training, and the financial security that comes with a draft bonus.

As a community, our role is to pray for wisdom for these families. Making a decision of this magnitude at 18 years old requires more than just a spreadsheet; it requires spiritual discernment. If you find yourself in a season of making big decisions, you might find our study on how to read the Bible and actually understand it helpful for seeking divine guidance.

Christian Takeaway: Talent as a Stewardship

In the Bible, we are often reminded that our gifts are not our own. They are entrusted to us by the Creator. In the book of Colossians, we are given a clear mandate: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).

This verse is the heartbeat of our sports coverage. When Cole, Will, and Collin step onto that diamond, they aren't just playing for a scout's radar gun; they are exercising a gift from God. As a city, we celebrate their achievements without envy. We recognize that one person's success is a win for the whole body of Memphis. Their journey reflects the excellence that exists within us all when we align our work with our faith.

Peacemaker's Perspective: Unity Through Sport

In a city that has seen its share of division, sports have a unique way of acting as a bridge. The MLB Draft brings together fans from Collierville, Germantown, East Memphis, and beyond. We see the "Bluff City vibes" in the way we rally around these kids. Being a "Christian Peacemaker" in the world of sports means celebrating the opponent's talent while striving for your own personal best. It means being a voice of encouragement in the stands and a mentor on the sidelines.

We must remember that these young men are under immense pressure. The "Peacemaker's Perspective" encourages us to offer them grace, whether they sign a multi-million dollar contract or choose to play for their college colors. Our support should be unconditional, rooted in our shared identity as Memphians and children of God. For more on maintaining your peace during stressful transitions, see our post on biblical boundaries and loving hard people.

How to Pray and Engage

How can we, as a community, support our local stars?

• Pray for Wisdom: Pray for the Prosek, Brick, and Bland families as they navigate contracts and commitments.

• Encourage the Youth: Use these stories to inspire the next generation of athletes in your own church or neighborhood.

• Follow the Journey: Keep an eye on the MLB transaction wire and the SEC baseball schedules. Show up for local games and show these athletes that Memphis is behind them.

If you are a parent or a leader feeling the weight of guiding others, remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you’re feeling the strain of "the grind," check out our resources on dealing with burnout vs. spiritual awakening.

❓ FAQ

Who was drafted from Memphis in the 2026 MLB Draft? The three primary local high school stars drafted on Day 1 were Cole Prosek (41st overall, White Sox), Collin Bland (113th overall, Rays), and Will Brick (131st overall, Blue Jays).

What schools did these players attend? Cole Prosek attended Magnolia Heights in Senatobia (Memphis metro). Collin Bland played for Houston High School in Germantown. Will Brick is a standout from Christian Brothers High School (CBHS).

Will they go to college or sign professional contracts? Each player has a college commitment (Prosek to Ole Miss, Bland to Vanderbilt, and Brick to Mississippi State). They have until July 27 to decide whether to sign with their MLB team or honor their college signee status.

How does Memphis compare to other cities in baseball talent? With three Day 1 picks, Memphis has solidified its status as a top-tier baseball region, rivaling traditional powerhouses in Florida and California for high school talent depth.

Where can I find more news about Memphis sports and community events? You can stay updated with our balanced, Christian perspective on all things Memphis at www.laynemcdonald.com/blog.

CTA: Celebrate the success of our local youth : share this story and tell us: Who is your pick for Memphis's next big leaguer?