Ridley Park Wiffleball

Rocky Mountain Rundown #1

 

In an offseason filled with excitement, rule changes, new franchises, and a revamped draft format, I’m here to break down every team and release my official preseason power rankings.

As a 10-year vet, it’s tough missing out on what’s shaping up to be the best RPWL season yet. But from my new home in Colorado, I’m fired up to cover the league from an outsider’s perspective and stir up a little debate wherever I can.

This season promises new rivalries, what might be the best rookie class we’ve ever seen, and a full reset of the history books. (I can think of roughly 1,001 reasons I’m looking forward to that.)

Draft night itself had everything: chaos, a few too many drinks, and courtesy of one newcomer… a truly disturbing number of pork missiles consumed. In other words, a perfect start to the season.

So let’s get straight to it. Time to spark some debate and find out who really knows ball.

 

2026 Post-Draft Power Rankings

The theme of my preseason rankings is simple: depth, depth, and more depth.

I haven’t been around for the scrimmages, but in my opinion the days of the Cam Farro Game (solo shot and a shutout) might finally be behind us. This year feels different. I expect we’re going to see more complete team wins, with deeper lineups making the difference week after week.

Sure, a superstar can still put a team on their back for a few wins. But over the course of a full season? I’m betting depth wins out.

For each team, I’ll give my personal insight along with a grade of every pick and what I believe is the teams floor and ceiling heading into the season.

 

1- Blue Jays

Cam Farro (C)

Adam Milsted

John Lockhart

Vinny Albanese

 

We start with the team from the North sitting atop the throne. Jack Liberio saved Cam’s season before it even began with a massive three-team pre-draft trade. Cam’s picks went from 1.4, 3.4, and 3.5 to 1.8, 2.4, and 3.5, a move that ended up shaping the entire direction of this roster.

 

Round 1- One of the most shocking slides of the entire draft happened when Adam Milsted fell to the Jays with the 8th pick. I was on record saying I would’ve considered taking him first overall, so getting him here feels like robbery. What more can you ask for? A veteran Wiffle player with a great attitude, a complete all-around game, and proven postseason success.

1.08 – Adam Milsted Grade - A+

Round 2- We start round 2 with three picks I personally wouldn’t have taken ahead of the 4th selection, which worked out perfectly for Cam. He lands one of the highest-energy guys in the league in 2025 Pirate John Lockhart. Lock brings a bat that I think translates extremely well to this format, plus the ability to pitch if needed. More importantly, he’s a ride or die teammate who will give everything he has to win a championship.

2.04 – John Lockhart Grade - A

Round 3- This is where the confusion of not being at draft night shows. I have no idea what trade led to Vinny Albanese ending up a Blue Jay, but here we are. Even though I was openly lower on Vinny pre-draft, seeing him go at 3.03 is a crime. His lack of athleticism in this format still worries me, but there’s a legitimate chance he finishes near the league lead in home runs. I especially love the landing spot if that Toronto buff continues.

3.03 – Vinny Albanese Grade - A+

 

Strength- Hitting depth

Weakness- Fielding

Ceiling- 1st place 12-2

Floor- 4th place 8-6

 

 

2- Mariners

Jack Liberio (C)

Riley Brown

Connor Warwick

Nick Liberio (R)

 

I wish this wasn’t the case, but I have to tip the cap to Jack Liberio for an absolute masterclass on draft night. After making the previously mentioned trade with Cam, Jack’s 2026 outlook didn’t look great on paper. But Lib clearly had a plan and he executed it perfectly.

Round 1- Two first-rounders found their way to the ass-shaking Mariners. One perfectly fits the mold of what Seattle wants to be, and the other might not on paper but that could change quickly once he gets a taste of that Seattle air.

Let’s start with Riley Brown. I love the fit and love the pick. Riley might be the riskiest player in the first round, but he’s also a former MVP who, if things click, could easily be the best hitter in the entire draft. Not having to rely on him to pitch is huge, because that was always my biggest question mark. Pairing him with C Dub is exactly why I love this move.

1.09 – Riley Brown Grade - A+

Staying in the first round, I think Liberio paired the perfect player with Riley. Connor Warwick is continually one of the most underrated all-around players in the league. He’s also one of the safest picks you can make. You know exactly what you're getting: production in every aspect of the game.

1.11 – Connor Warwick Grade - A+

Round 3- Skipping ahead to Round 3, Liberio made the most predictable move of the entire draft, acquiring his cousin and rookie Nick Liberio. I’ll be honest I know nothing about him, but the fit is obviously there. Pairing a rookie with two first-round talents already on the roster is smart roster construction and gives him room to develop.

3.08 – Nick Liberio Grade - A-

 

Strength: Best top 3 in the league
Weakness: Relying on a risk and rookie

Ceiling: 1st place 11-3
Floor: 6th place 7-7

 

 

3- White Sox

Brenden Boas (C)

Tommy Loftus

Jimmy Hallman (R)

Brenden Risley

 

This ranking will probably get the most heat, but I’m ready for it. Boas is coming off one of the most dominant MVP performances in league history, and still fell short of a championship title once again. A lot of people look at Boas and see a guy who just overwhelms opponents with speed. I see something different: a competitor who’s still going to battle to be the best two-way player in the league.

Round 1- Everyone had penciled in Tommy Loftus as Boas’s first-round pick. I’ll admit it’s not the direction I would’ve gone, but I also don’t have the ability to carry a team offensively the way Boas can. We already know what Tommy brings on the mound. He might legitimately be the best pitcher in this format, including captains. He’s also shown he can be an above-average hitter when needed.

1.02 – Tommy Loftus Grade - B+

Round 2- Boas took a swing, selecting rookie Jimmy Hallman before several veterans came off the board in the following picks. Early reports on him have been very positive, and his passion for the game seems off the charts. I’ve liked guys with baseball backgrounds coming into this format significantly more than players jumping straight into a full fast-pitch environment. The ceiling is extremely high here, and I love the range where he was taken. It wasn’t a reach by any means, and if he clicks, this could end up being a season-altering decision.

2.10 – Jimmy Hallman Grade - A

Round 3- Boas played a little defense by drafting the guy who made sure he wasn’t winning the championship last year, Brenden Risley. Riz is one of my favorite breakout candidates this season, especially with the rule changes. The swing has always been there, but in the past he’s occasionally been overpowered at the plate. With the adjustments coming this year, I think that changes. Outside of Vinny Albanese, this is my lock for the best player taken in the third round.

3.02 – Brenden Risley Grade - A

 

Strength- 2 Bonafide Aces

Weakness- Question marks at the plate

Ceiling- 1st place 11-3

Floor-  6th place 7-7

 

 

4- Athletics

Dylan Harshaw (C)

Chris During

Josh Butler

Wayne Shambo

 

Our first reborn franchise to make the rankings. Commissioner Dylan Harshaw came into this draft with a plan, and he executed it well. Expectations are sky high for Dylan this season, and I’m buying the hype. I think he’s a legitimate MVP contender who should translate perfectly on the mound while also finding success at the plate.

Round 1- With plenty of star power still on the board in Round 1, Dylan used the 3rd overall pick to select his stepbrother, Chris Durning. At this point I probably had Chris as the 4th or 5th best player available, so it may have been a slight reach, but it’s hard to argue with the fit. I also believe Chris’s game has the most room for improvement of anyone in this draft. He should see more success both on the mound and at the plate, and his biggest strength of fielding will likely be utilized even more in this format.

1.03 – Chris Durning Grade - B

 

Round 2- Where Dylan may have reached in Round 1, I think he made up for it by landing the best player available with his second selection. Josh Butler is a true veteran. His draft stock has fluctuated more than anyone over the years, but I love the value here, especially in this format. I think he can improve across the board and is being seriously underrated heading into this season.

2.09 – Josh Butler Grade - A+

Round 3- Another calculated move from Dylan, acquiring Wayne Shambo via trade. Another veteran presence, Wayne is coming off his best season since 2019. He’s an all-time teammate, and I’m expecting even more improvement from him this year.

3.06 – Wayne Shambo Grade - A-

 

Strength- Team chemistry and veteran presence

Weakness- Passing away mid season from old age

Ceiling- 2nd place 10-4

Floor- 8th place 6-8

 

5- Expos

Noah Silverman (C)

Mike Collins

Sean Hinchey

Adam Beyers

 

Back-to-back reborn franchises left the Expos landing at 5. In a similar boat to Dylan and the Athletics, Noah was promoted to captain due to expectations that he’ll become an elite two-way player in this format.

 

Round 1- We saw potentially the most surprising pick of the draft: Mike Collins going first overall. I ranked Mike as a top-three player in the class, so it wasn’t a huge shock to me, though I assumed a guaranteed two-way player would go first. Mike, another 2025 Pirate, was the best hitter in last year’s draft, and I expect him to remain elite on that side of the ball. There are still questions about his pitching, but with Noah’s selection in the third round, that may not even matter.
1.01 Mike Collins - A-

Round 2- Another trade brought Sean Hinchey to Montreal. I like the fit here. Hinchey’s much-improved approach at the plate saw his OBP skyrocket to a new career high. I still question his ability as a pure hitter, but there’s plenty of room for growth.
2.08 Sean Hinchey - B

Round 3- Perhaps the biggest surprise of the draft was the Expos taking the most controversial player available. He provides a much-needed pitching option, but at what cost?
3.01 Adam Beyers - F (out of principle)

 

Strength: Two-headed monster at the plate
Weakness: Ability to be canceled at any point during the season

Ceiling- 3rd place 9-5

Floor- 8th place 6-8

 

6- Mets

John Polanco (C)

Dennis Donegan

Jaypaul Volpone

Matt Milakeve

 

Polanco and the Mets entered the draft in a strong position, holding three picks in the top 17. While I think he could’ve come away with an even stronger squad, I still like their chances heading into the season. The big question with Polanco has always been hitting but if he can figure that out this year, this team could surprise a lot of people.

Round 1- Can we just pencil in Dennis Donnegan as a lifetime Met? He’s the perfect complement to the type of captain Polanco is. Dennis will die for his captain and is as good a leader as any in the league. This is probably my favorite fit for any selection, and I love Dennis’s potential at the plate with the recent changes.
1.06 Dennis Donnegan - A+

Round 2- We saw back-to-back selections from Polanco. First up, pick 16, Jaypaul Volpone. I like pairing him with Dennis because of his proven ability to be an elite relief pitcher in the past. My concern is his screwball-heavy approach and how that will translate this season. Volpone’s free-swinging style may lead to some timely homeruns, and while I wouldn’t have picked him here personally, he does add upside.
2.05 Jaypaul Volpone -  B-

At pick 17, the Mets grabbed Matt Milakeve, a player many compared to Barry Bonds in his breakout last season with the Jays. While he may not sustain last year’s historic production, I love betting on his ceiling here. He has the potential to be an above-average hitter and could provide a serious boost to the lineup.
2.06 Matt Milakeve - A

 

Strength: Polanco and Dennis connection
Weakness: Potential struggles at the plate from top to bottom

Ceiling- 3rd place 9-5

Floor- 8th place 6-8

 

7- Angels

Nate Smith (C)

Johnny Demucci

Andrew Kelly

Mike Sfida

 

Nate and the Angels entered the draft in a strong position, similar to the Mets, holding a first-round pick and back-to-back second-rounders. Coming off a historically bad 2025 season  where the Angels failed to record a single win, I expect Nate to bounce back this year and be competitive.

Round 1- At pick 5, Nate had several proven veterans to choose from but made a surprising move by selecting second-year player Johnny Demucci. Johnny showed the most improvement of anyone from Game 1 to Game 14 last season for the Mariners, and I expect his hitting to translate even more in this format. Risky at pick 5, but this could turn out to be a genius move.
1.05 Johnny Demucci - B

Round 2- With his first of the back-to-back second-round picks, Nate chose Andrew Kelly, arguably the highest-floor player in Round 2. A veteran bat who consistently provides tough at-bats, plays excellent defense, and knows the game better than most. AK is a tremendous value at pick 18.
2.05 Andrew Kelly - A+

After a trade, Mike Sfida joins the Angels. Questions surround Sfida following an uncommitted and disappointing 2025 season. His biggest strength has always been pitching with speed and accuracy, a skill that isn’t as highly valued in this format. If he can add some production at the plate, he could be a solid steal.
2.06 Mike Sfida - B

 

Strengths- Solid floor in every aspect

Weakness- Not elite in any category

Ceiling- 3rd place 9-5

Floor 10th place 5-9

 

8- Asstros

Ryan Drecher (C)

Frankie Campanile

Eddie Bleacher

Matt Haines

 

I’m not entirely sure Teddy knows the rules have changed or that the season is happening. All jokes aside Teddy remains one of the best players currently in the league on both sides of the ball. People question his commitment to the new format but I think he’s going to bring the same fire that he always does. He should be out to prove the league wrong.

Round 1- After a draft night trade Teddy acquired Frankie Campinale. Potentially the best all around player in the draft depending on who you ask. An elite hitter, a mound presence that translates and elite in the field. This acquisition is a home run.

1.04 Frankie Campinale - A+

Round 3- After a trade that left the Asstros without a 2nd pick on their roster they acquire both Eddie Bleacher and Matt Haines as 3rd round picks. Eddie seems to find himself in an Asstros jersey every season. I have noted that I am a believer in an Eddie resurgence this season. I think hes always had a good swing but struggles against elite pitching. Im expecting a significant improvement out of him and love the landing spot.

3.04 Eddie Bleacher - A

After acquiring Eddie, Teddy with his own pick takes Matt Haines. Haines had his shining moment last season with the Mets and after listening to Polanco and Dennis talk about him on the Mets podcast I'm in on this guy. I think he's a dark horse 4th man of the year candidate in what is a loaded 3rd round this season.

3.09 Matt Haines - A-

 

Strengths- Dynamic Duo

Weaknesses- Will shout homophobic slurs from time to time. And depth

Ceiling 4th place 8-6

Floor 10th place 5-9

 

9- Royals

Zane Johnston (C)

Behn Worley

Greg Adams (R)

Mike Ward

 

The defending champs come in at 9th in post draft power rankings. While I think Zane is an MVP favorite this season, the lack of a 2nd round pick really puts them in a tough spot. I think this team is going to put a lot of stress on opposing teams but are relying on a rookie to make an impact for them to be relevant in 2026.

Round 1- If you asked Zane what his dream scenario is in Round 1 he would’ve said drafting Behn. Behn reunites with his former multiple time captain to form the most exciting duo to watch this season. Behn athleticism is matched in the league only by his captain. He’ll be able to pitch without adjusting anything and he has proved he can show up at the plate.

1.07 Behn Worley - A+

Round 3- After quite a long wait and a small trade the Royals end their draft with Rookie Greg Adams and Vet Mike Ward. Greg Adams stirred the pot when he said he would “flick 90’s” and win a cy young. Although he won't be throwing 90 he's in an excellent spot to prove himself. The Royals season could rely on this rookie making a name for himself.

3.05 Greg Adams - B+

Zane rounds out his lineup with the vet who I once compared to Toad in Mario Baseball. Mike Ward is the ultimate I’m here to have fun guy, and he's a welcome addition to any squad. Mike is going to show up and give it everything he has but laugh along the way.

3.06 Mike Ward B+

 

Strengths- Zane and Behn running wild

Weaknesses- Reliable 3rd or 4th option

Ceiling- 4th place 8-6

Floor- 11th place 4-10

 

10- Diamondbacks

Sean Bignear (C)

Nick Pollag

Erik Shules (R)

Dylan Ayers

 

Sean has a tough hill to climb if he wants to get back to the Championship. Somewhere that's eluded him since 2017. Sean has been known in the past to take a chance on some guys to help them improve. Going into the draft with the 10th and 11th pick I expected him to be in a slightly better position. I trust Sean in this format but it's going to take an MVP season to sniff a run.

Round 1- Sean went into the night with 2 firsts, 10 and 11. He left with a pick in every round heading into this season. Nick Pollag was the first selection for Sean. Nick should be able to give Sean valuable innings on the mound but I question his bat which hasn't been overly reliable the past 3 years. Nick has a decent floor but much lower ceiling then the guys drafted behind him.

1.10 Nick Pollag- B-

Round 2- Next pick the D Backs go with Rookie Eric Schules. He has some competitive wiffleball experience and should be a solid player in our league but I question how good he can be compared to other rookies. I feel Sean went safe again and didn't bet on the ceiling. There are a few guys I'd rather have drafted after him.

2.03 Eric Schules- B-

Round 3- Sean had the last pick of the draft. It seemed like a guarantee it would be 2nd year player Dylan Ayers. I didnt see him play much but i know he was on the struggling Angels but still wanted to play every week and wanted another shot. That says something about him an dim rooting for an improvement. Sean made the right choice here.

3.11 Dylan Ayers- A+

 

 

Strength- 1-2 Pitching combo and Seans ability to win

Weakness- Reliable 3rd or 4th option

Ceiling- 4th place 8-6

Floor- 11th place 4-10

 

11- Phillies

Colin Pollag

Ben Mutz (R)

Pat Farrell

Joey Van Houten

 

This is an interesting one here with the Phillies. I think it's hard to argue that they don't have the worst roster in the league. We know Colin and we know he’ll be an elite hitter and should be a much better pitcher this season. I think this Phillies team has the biggest fluctuation in terms of Ceiling vs Floor but they need so many things to go right. I dont mind either of his 1st two choices but together I question if it works.

Round 2- We skip round 1 and start Round 2 with the Phillies 1st selection. Ben Mutz, who if we had prior knowledge of his Hot Dog addiction may have been off captains boards. Im never going to expect a rookie to be good unless its someone that comes from a competitive fast pitch league. Do I think Ben can be a top 10 player this season? Yes. Would i count on it with my 1st selection? Absolutely not.

2.01 Ben Mutz- B-

With the very next pick Colin selected a former Championship teammate of mine Pat Farrell. What an interesting career for Pat from hitless seasons to huge post season Homeruns. I think he should be more consistent at the plate this season but we’ve seen the floor and its rock bottom. I don't have an issue with where he went in the draft but pairing him with an unproven rookie is not the choice I would've made,

2.02 Pat Farrell- B

Round 3- In a late round trade the Phillies round there team out with RPWL vet Joey Van Houten. JVH has had his fair share of moments in his career and I think we can see an improvement out of him. JVH had the right mindset on the Mariners last season in the box and I think that same approach could help him here.

3.10 Joey Van Houten- A

 

Strength- Colin

Weakness- Potentially everything else

Ceiling- 3rd place 9-5

Floor- 11th place 3-11

 

Up next from the Rocky Mountain Rundown: Power Ranking the best 1-2 Punches in the league.