The 2026 MLB Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating affair, with a mix of shortstops, catchers, and pitchers vying for top spots. Here's a breakdown of the top prospects and the teams that might be interested in them, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
I think the White Sox will take Roch Cholowsky, a better defender with more proven success than Grady Emerson. However, Emerson's upside is a strong argument for the Rays to take him if Cholowsky is off the board. The White Sox might even consider a discount deal for Jacob Lombard, a premium athlete.Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth (Texas) Christian HS
Grady Emerson is a more talented player, but the Rays' search for a catcher is a factor. They passed on Buster Posey in 2008, and Emerson could be their answer. The Rays might take him if Cholowsky is taken by the White Sox.Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
The Twins would love to get Cholowsky or Emerson, but if not, Vahn Lackey is a strong option. He's athletic, raking at a high clip, and could be a good fit for the Twins.Giants: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep, Miami
The Giants' preference might be Jacob Lombard, a premium athlete who has shown improvement. However, the Giants' president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, might try to trade down for Cholowsky.Pirates: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
The Pirates are likely to take the best pitcher available, Jackson Flora, with a mid-90s fastball and a mid-80s slider. His ERA and opponent OPS are impressive.Royals: Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas HS, Parkland, Fla.
The Royals might take Jacob Lombard, but Gio Rojas is a strong alternative. His fastball and slider are impressive, and he starred for Team USA.Orioles: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS, Hattiesburg, Miss.
The Orioles haven't had a high school bat in the first round since 2015, but Eric Booth Jr. is a fast player with homer potential. He might be their best option.Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
Ryder Helfrick is the top defensive catcher in the draft, with all the skills and power teams desire. He's already calling his own pitches.Braves: Cade Townsend, RHP, Mississippi
Cade Townsend's fastball and breaking balls are impressive, and he might rise up the boards. His ability to pitch at a high level is a plus.Rockies: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech
Drew Burress is a legitimate center fielder with power and speed. He's slashing well and could be a solid pick for the Rockies.Nationals: Jared Grindlinger, OF/LHP, Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS
Jared Grindlinger is a young, intriguing two-way prospect. He's a sweet-swinging outfielder with a lot of projection, and teams are taking notice.Angels: Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina
Cameron Flukey's stock is volatile after a rib stress fracture. His performance will determine his draft position.Cardinals: Sawyer Strosnider, OF, Texas Christian
Sawyer Strosnider has impressive tools but has been struggling lately. His all-around skills make him an interesting prospect.Marlins: Chris Hacopian, 2B, Texas A&M
Chris Hacopian's underlying metrics are impressive, and he's the best college hitter in the draft. The Marlins might be his floor.Diamondbacks: Trevor Condon, OF, Etowah HS, Woodstock, Ga.
Trevor Condon has the best combination of hitting ability and speed in the high school crop. He draws comparisons to Lenny Dykstra and Brett Gardner.Rangers: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
Justin Lebron had a strong start but struggled in SEC play. He's a four-tool prospect with power and speed, and his draft position will depend on his performance.Astros: Derek Curiel, OF, Louisiana State
Derek Curiel has a high floor and has proven he can play center field. His power and hitting ability make him an attractive prospect.Reds: Hunter Dietz, LHP, Arkansas
Hunter Dietz is proving himself with four plus pitches. His ability to strike out batters could push him into the top 10.Guardians: A.J. Gracia, OF, Virginia
A.J. Gracia's contact skills and swing decisions could make him a high pick. His power and center field ability are attractive to teams.Red Sox: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
Tyler Bell is a solid defender with 20-homer power. His torn labrum will require surgery, but his skills are impressive.Padres: Brody Bumila, LHP, Bishop Feehan HS, Attleboro, Mass.
The Padres like high-ceiling high schoolers, and Brody Bumila fits the bill. His fastball and metrics are impressive.Tigers: Aiden Ruiz, SS, The Stony Brook (N.Y.) School
Aiden Ruiz is the best defender in the draft and has bat-to-ball skills. His power is questionable, but his defense is a plus.Cubs: Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida
Liam Peterson can miss bats with his pitches but lacks feel for pitching. His performance in pro ball will determine his future.Mariners: Tegan Kuhns, RHP, Tennessee
Tegan Kuhns' fastball and curveball are plus offerings. His performance will determine his draft position.Brewers: Cole Prosek, 3B/C, Magnolia Heights HS, Senatobia, Miss.
Cole Prosek has one of the best swings and bat-to-ball skills in the prep class. His spring performance has enhanced his profile.
