The 2026 MLB Draft is set to take place on July 11, with the Chicago White Sox holding the No. 1 pick. The White Sox are expected to select UCLA star SS Roch Cholowsky, but there are rumors that they might opt for Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson instead. Both players are highly regarded, and the decision could come down to signing bonuses. The White Sox have a strong organization and are looking to add value quickly, which makes this pick crucial. The San Francisco Giants, who won the lottery and moved up to No. 4, are also in the running for Cholowsky, along with the Rays, Twins, and Giants. The Giants have a strong connection with Cholowsky and would love to get him, but they have no control over the top three picks. The Pirates, on the other hand, are expected to take OF Eric Booth Jr., an electrifying athlete with potential 30-30 power. The Royals could throw a curveball with their pick, opting for a quick-moving college player like UC Santa Barbara righty Jackson Flora. The Orioles, who have not selected a pitcher earlier than the second round since 2018, are likely to take OF Drew Burress, a bat-to-ball specialist with power. The Athletics are considering SS Tyler Bell, a switch-hitting shortstop with good defense, despite his recent injury. The Braves, who have a history of selecting high school players, are expected to take LHP Gio Rojas, a premium on-mound athlete with high-end pitch data. The Rockies, with their Competitive Balance pick, are rumored to be targeting college hitters like OF Derek Curiel. The Nationals are connected to OF/LHP Jared Grindlinger, a two-way player with high-end bat-to-ball ability. The Angels, who have fired their GM, are likely to take RHP Cameron Flukey, the draft's second-best pitching prospect. The Cardinals are expected to take 3B Ace Reese, a power-hitting third baseman with raw power. The Marlins are in play for C Ryder Helfrick, an exit velocity guy with good defense. The Diamondbacks are targeting OF Trevor Condon, a smaller player with great bat-to-ball skills and power upside. The Rangers are expected to take SS Justin Lebron, a famous prospect with loud tools but concerns about approach and plate discipline. The Astros are looking at college players who could get to Houston quickly, with 2B Chris Hacopian as a potential pick. The Reds are connected to RHP Liam Peterson, a pitcher with a good fastball and feel for spinning the ball. The Guardians are considering SS Taj Marchand, a late riser with unorthodox swing mechanics but the ability to put a charge into the ball. The Red Sox are expected to take 3B Bo Lowrance, a power-hitting third baseman with a knack for grinding out at-bats. The Padres are in play for SS Archer Horn, a left-handed hitter with a strong infield arm. The Tigers are expected to take SS Tyler Spangler, a high-end offensive upside high school hitter. The Cubs are considering RHP Logan Reddemann, a potential top 10 pick with arm fatigue concerns. The Mariners, who excel at developing college pitching, are likely to take RHP Liam Peterson. The Brewers are expected to take IF/C Cole Prosek, a Brewers type with good feel for centering the ball and athleticism. The Blue Jays, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, and Yankees have had their first-round picks moved back 10 spots due to CBT penalties.
