The Guardians grabbed University of Houston outfielder Tre Broussard as the No. 95 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, making him a third-round choice. He is not related to their former left-handed hitter Ben Broussard, but this guy brings a different kind of thunder, primarily with his speed. At 6-foot-tall, Broussard is an outfielder who can flat out fly.
That Speed Is Legit
This dude can seriously run. MLB.com's draft blurb noted that Broussard swiped an insane 56 bags in 64 attempts over two years with the Cougars, rocking an 88 percent success rate. That kind of speed isn't just for base stealing, either. It makes him a quality defender in center field, where he uses his athleticism to cover ground. With arm strength described as average to solid, he shows the versatility to fit anywhere in the outfield, which is a huge asset for any club looking to build a flexible roster.From Under the Radar to Top-100
Broussard's journey to a top-100 draft pick wasn't a straight shot. He had to go the junior college route, initially overlooked out of a suburban Houston high school in 2023, and again after batting a scorching .409 with 17 steals in 36 games at San Jacinto JC a year later. But now, after transferring to Houston, he's shedding that anonymity and really standing out. He even earned co-MVP honors in the Cape Cod League All-Star game last summer. His best tool is undoubtedly that plus-plus speed, and he maximizes it by making consistent contact from the left side of the plate. Broussard has a disciplined approach, hitting hard line drives from gap to gap. He’s got bat speed and wiry strength, generating some surprising exit velocities and occasional opposite-field power. He bulked up before his junior season and won't turn 21 until two months after the Draft, meaning there is more projection remaining than with most college players. Cleveland hasn't always been the best at developing hitters, but they've certainly found success with speedy, left-handed hitting outfielders in the past. If Broussard's tools translate at the next level, the Guardians might have a serious impact player on their hands with this third-round gamble. It'll be exciting to watch his journey.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.