MAX CLARK GOES #1 TO THE YUCAIPA ROAD RUNNERS
With the first pick in the 2026 Mid-West Baseball League Draft, the Yucaipa Road Runners select from the Detroit Tigers Organization – left-handed-hitting outfielder Max Clark. The Road Runners are banking on his elite, five-tool potential and high-octane athleticism to serve as the new face of their franchise.
Clark, the third overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has solidified his status as one of the game’s premier prospects following a stellar 2025 campaign. After an offseason dedicated to adding lean muscle to his 6-foot-1 frame and refining his swing to tap into more consistent power, Clark evolved into a dominant force across multiple levels of the minors.
His 2025 season was a masterclass in consistency and progression. Ascending from High-A West Michigan to Double-A Erie, Clark posted a combined .271/.403/.432 slash line. Most notably, his burgeoning power was on full display as he launched 14 home runs while maintaining his trademark elite speed with 19 stolen bases.
Clark’s complete profile indicates a player capable of anchoring the top of a lineup for a decade. With his ability to impact the game with his legs, glove, and an increasingly dangerous bat, he is widely projected as a perennial 20/30 threat.
The Yucaipa Road Runners expect Clark to be a centerpiece of their 2026 campaign, with many scouts predicting he will make his MWBL debut on Opening Day 2026.
Scouting Profile:
Hit Tool: Advanced bat-to-ball skills with a disciplined approach; he famously posted more walks (94) than strikeouts (90) in 2025.
Speed: A true “plus-plus” runner, Clark routinely turns routine grounders into base hits and covers massive ground in the gaps.
Defense: A natural center fielder with Gold Glove upside, featuring a 70-grade arm that has been clocked at over 98 mph from the outfield.
Intangibles: Known as a “baseball rat,” Clark’s work ethic and leadership have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most intense competitors.
Special Thanks to the voice-over on this video by former MWBL Owner Paul Roe!