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!

The 2026 Mid-West Baseball League Draft is Scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at 10:30 AM ET.

The 2026 MWBL Draft Order is now posted – including the Lottery, which the Yucaipa Road Runners won.  The Draft will commence at 10:30 AM, consist of 12 Rounds and 312 Picks, and be completed in under 6 Hours.

Please be advised of this early Draft Date.

The 2026 MWBL Draft Lottery is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

This event is significant because it will determine the selection order for the upcoming 2026 MWBL Draft, scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, 2026.

Eight Franchises, as enumerated below, will be vying for the coveted #1 Pick in the 2026 MWBL Draft:

For those eager to witness this pivotal event in real time, the Commissioner’s Office will provide a live-streaming link via Zoom, which will become active at 8:45 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

To maintain transparency and fairness in the selection process, an independent website (https://www.fantasydraftlottery.com/) will be used to generate the Selection Order, with each franchise receiving the number of Ping Pong Balls to determine its selection order.

We encourage your participation, as we eagerly await the outcome of the 2026 MWBL Draft Lottery.

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The 2025 Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) Contraction Draft Lottery took place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET.

The Long Beach Dirt Bags were the big winners as they jumped from three all the way to #1.

Motor City made a run for the top pick, but fell to #2.   
The Yucaipa Road Runners fell one spot to #3.

For the full Draft Order, go here:   DRAFT ORDER
For the Video of the Lottery, go here:  DRAFT LOTTERY VIDEO