The 2026 MLB Draft begins Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, with the Chicago White Sox holding the first overall pick and plenty of uncertainty surrounding their decision. That selection is expected to create ripple effects throughout the first round, as this year’s class appears poised to feature a college-heavy top 10 and potentially a strong presence of college players throughout the opening round.
1. White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
Just like in my May mock draft, Roch Cholowsky lands with the White Sox as the first overall pick. However, more uncertainty has surrounded the selection since then. The scouting staff favors Texas prep shortstop Grady Emerson, while front office executives appear to prefer a college player who better aligns with the organization’s timeline and could move quickly through the farm system. Cholowsky fits that profile as a well-rounded college player with an advanced bat and the defensive ability to remain at shortstop long term.
2. Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth (Texas) Christian HS
Emerson is the top prep player in this year’s class and a strong candidate to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick. The Rays also have significant interest in Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, who could become the pick if Emerson is selected first overall. If Tampa Bay takes a more unexpected approach, Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell could be in the mix.
3. Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
Lackey is one of the top-tier prospects in this class and would give the Twins a proven college performer with a bat-first profile behind the plate.
4. Giants: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
The Giants would love for Cholowsky to fall to this spot, but that scenario appears increasingly unlikely. They have strong interest in prep outfielder Eric Booth Jr. and shortstop Jacob Lombard, and the organization is weighing the upside of a high-ceiling prep player against the appeal of a college player who could move quickly through the system.
5. Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove (Miss.) HS
The Pirates are one of the most intriguing teams in this draft. They have traditionally leaned toward high school players but also have interest in several college bats, most notably Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress. With a large bonus pool allotment, Pittsburgh does not need to get creative to save money with this pick. The Pirates can simply select the best player available and use their financial flexibility to be aggressive later in the draft, as they have done in previous years.
6. Royals: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver (Fla.) Prep
Lombard is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class, combining an advanced bat with the ability to impact the game with his power. He also has the defensive tools to remain at shortstop in professional baseball. Lombard brings strong bloodlines, with both his father and older brother having professional experience, but he has not received the same level of industry attention as some players with similar talent. The Royals would land a talented, high-upside prospect with significant long-term potential.
7. Orioles: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech
The Orioles have consistently targeted college players in the first round, and this year appears to be no different. They have been heavily linked to Burress throughout the draft cycle, and this spot could represent the floor for the talented Georgia Tech outfielder.
8. Athletics: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
The Athletics have been linked to several college players throughout the draft process, and Bell is the top college option remaining who has drawn significant interest from the organization. He is a well-rounded player with a high floor and the tools to make an impact quickly in professional baseball. Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian is another name to watch in this range.
Learn more about Bell and his skill set in our in-depth MLB Draft feature on him here.
9. Braves: Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas (Fla.) HS
Atlanta has never been afraid to take a chance on high-upside prep talent, especially pitchers. Rojas is the top prep arm in this class and offers the type of upside the Braves have historically targeted.
10. Rockies: Derek Curiel, OF, LSU
The Rockies appear more likely to select a hitter over a pitcher, with a preference for the college ranks. Curiel has been a well-known prospect since his prep days and is regarded for his advanced hit tool.
11. Nationals: Jared Grindlinger, OF/LHP, Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS
The Nationals are also looking at Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian. Grindlinger is a really intriguing two-way player that might be better on the mound long term.
12. Angels: Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida
The Angels have a new regime in place after recently firing their general manager. They also are heavily looking at college hitters. Peterson is an intriguing pitching prospect with a lot of upside, but he needs to refine his pitch mix and generate more swings and misses.
13. Cardinals: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
The Cardinals are believed to prefer a polished college bat, making Helfrick an appealing option as a well-rounded catcher who offers value on both sides of the ball.
14. Marlins: AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia
The Marlins are looking at all demographics here. Georgia prep outfielder Trevor Condon is also in play at this pick. Gracia is a talented college performer with an ability to hit for average, power and stick in center field.
Learn more about Gracia and his skill set in our in-depth MLB Draft feature on him here.
15. Diamondbacks: Trevor Condon, OF, Etowah (Ga.) HS
One of the most exciting prep players in this year’s draft class. Condon offers an impressive mentality and exciting tools on the diamond.
Learn more about Condon and his skill set in our in-depth MLB Draft feature on him here.
16. Rangers: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
Lebron is one of the most polarizing players in this year’s draft class. He entered the year as potentially the top player in the class but struggled mightily at the plate in SEC play. There is no question he has the upside to be a star, possessing an ability to hit for power and stick at shortstop long term due to his athleticism, speed and arm strength. But the question is, can he hit at a high enough clip to be an everyday player?
17. Astros: Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State
The Astros are targeting college performers, and Reese gives them an offensive-first player that can hit for a ton of power.
18. Reds: Hunter Dietz, LHP, Arkansas
The Reds have really been connected to college players the most throughout this cycle, especially college pitchers. Dietz is an intriguing pitcher who offers a ton of upside. He needs to prove he can stay healthy in pro ball, but he has the potential to be a really good starting pitcher in the future.
19. Guardians: Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina
The Guardians are leaning towards college players, especially if the board unfolds like this. Flukey, Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian and Southern Cal lefty Mason Edwards are all in the mix.
20. Red Sox: Chris Hacopian, 2B, Texas A&M
Hacopian could go as high as eighth overall to the Athletics, with a bunch of other teams interested in him before this selection. He is an offensive-minded second baseman known for his hit tool. Defensively, he possesses average tools.
21. Padres: Bo Lowrance, 3B, Christ Church Episcopal (S.C.) HS
The Padres love drafting high school players, and throughout this entire cycle, Lowrance is a name they have liked. High school pitching is also in play here.
22. Tigers: Aiden Ruiz, SS, The Stony Brook (N.Y.) School
The Tigers are mentioned with several high school bats. College pitching is also brought up here.
23. Cubs: Mason Edwards, LHP, USC
The Cubs appear to be leaning toward the college route, with their decision likely coming down to a polished college bat or one of the intriguing college pitchers still on the board.
24. Mariners: Tegan Kuhns, RHP, Tennessee
This is another spot where a college arm could come off the board. Kuhns may not have the flashiest profile, but he was a model of consistency this spring. His polish and command have drawn comparisons from scouts to George Kirby.
Learn more about Kuhns and his skill set in our in-depth MLB Draft feature on him here.
25. Brewers: Zion Rose, OF, Louisville
The Brewers have the sixth-lowest bonus pool allotment and appear to be leaning toward college talent over high school prospects. Rose fits that mold as a polished, well-rounded performer who can hit, play reliable defense and brings outstanding makeup. If Milwaukee opts for the prep route, Mississippi third baseman Cole Prosek is a name to watch. The nephew of Brewers third base coach Matt Erickson, Prosek has emerged as a legitimate option here.
Learn more about Rose and his skill set in our in-depth MLB Draft feature on him here.
Prospect Promotion Incentive Picks
26. Braves: Cade Townsend, RHP, Mississippi
27. Mets: Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCU
28. Astros: Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia
Competitive Balance Round A
29. Giants: Carson Bolemon, LHP, Southside Christian (S.C.) HS
30. Royals: Logan Reddemann, RHP, UCLA
31. Diamondbacks: Cole Prosek, 3B/C, Magnolia Heights (Miss.) HS
32. Cardinals: Taj Marchand, SS, James Island Charter (S.C.) HS
33. Rays: Cole Carlon, LHP, Arizona State
34. White Sox: Landon Thome, 2B/3B, Nazareth Academy (Ill.)
35. Yankees: Coleman Borthwick, RHP, South Walton (Fla.) HS
36. Phillies: Archer Horn, SS, St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) HS
37. Rockies: Ben Blair, RHP, Liberty
Read more in-depth stories on top 2026 MLB draft prospects at Baseball Prospect Journal.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 11 years. He has interviewed 613 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as an “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
