2026 MLB Draft: Gunner Skelton, SS, Columbia Academy

2026 MLB Draft: Gunner Skelton, SS, Columbia Academy

Player: Gunner Skelton
School: Columbia Academy (TN)Position(s): SS
Height: 6′Weight: 195 lbs.Bats: RightThrows: Right
Summary:
The bat drives the profile, with Skelton showing a compact right-handed swing built on explosive wrists and fast hands. There’s real barrel control against quality velocity, and when he’s on time the ball jumps off the bat with pull-side authority. The move includes some noise — a leg kick and hand hitch introduce timing variables — but the hand speed gives him margin for error, allowing him to still square premium arms. Offensive looks have consistently produced loud contact rather than empty swings, pointing to playable power as the strength continues to come.

Defensively, he moves well enough to open his career on the left side, with a plus arm and actions that work at shortstop early. As the body matures, the fit may ultimately slide to third base, where the arm and bat profile line up cleanly. Range and consistency will determine how long shortstop remains viable, but the defensive value should hold on the dirt even if the position shifts.

Overall, this is a bat-first infielder whose offensive upside gives him multiple paths forward. The approach is aggressive by nature, and tightening swing decisions will be the key to unlocking the full impact of the tools. With advanced hand speed, leverage, and the ability to do damage against velocity, Skelton profiles as an offensive-minded infielder whose value will be determined by how much the bat carries as he climbs.

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