The 2026 MLB Draft is upon us, and the Chicago White Sox are poised to make a bold move with their first-round pick. With the No. 1 selection, the White Sox are expected to select UCLA star shortstop Roch Cholowsky, despite rumors suggesting they might opt for Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson. This decision hinges on the potential signing bonus, as both players are highly talented and close in ability. Personally, I think the White Sox are making a smart business move by choosing Cholowsky, who will quickly add value to the team. What makes this particularly fascinating is the White Sox's history of selecting high school players and their recent success in transforming their organization. In my opinion, this pick is a strategic move to bolster their minor league system and ensure a bright future for the franchise.
The Tampa Bay Rays, known for their strategic draft choices, are expected to take the best, most talented player available, which in this case is likely to be Emerson. The Rays' focus on positional needs and their history of selecting top talent make this a logical choice. From my perspective, the Rays' decision to prioritize talent over specific needs is a refreshing approach in a draft class filled with exceptional players.
The Minnesota Twins, on the other hand, have the 'easiest' decision, as Cholowsky, Emerson, and Vahn Lackey are the top three prospects. The Twins can simply take the player who is still on the board, and in this mock draft, that's Lackey. This decision is straightforward, and the Twins are assured the chance to select at least one of these excellent prospects. What many people don't realize is that the Twins have a strong track record of developing young talent, and this pick will be a valuable addition to their roster.
The San Francisco Giants are rumored to be targeting Cholowsky, and their connection to Jacob Lombard has been strong all spring. The Giants' bonus pool and financial flexibility make them a strong contender for Cholowsky, but they have no control over the top three picks. Lombard's athletic abilities and family connections make him an intriguing prospect, and his potential impact as an all-around player is a significant draw for the Giants.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, known for their big swings and hits, are expected to take Oak Grove HS outfielder Eric Booth Jr. Booth's electrifying athleticism and potential 30-30 player profile fit their strategy of taking quick-moving college players. In my opinion, the Pirates' recent success with high-risk, high-reward picks makes Booth a compelling choice.
The Kansas City Royals could throw a curveball with their pick, opting for a quick-moving college player like UC Santa Barbara righty Jackson Flora. The Royals' Competitive Balance pick and the savings from signing a below-slot bonus could be used to acquire a high-end talent still on the board. This strategy, while risky, could pay off if Flora develops into a quality major-league starter.
The Baltimore Orioles, under the leadership of Mike Elias, have a history of selecting pitchers earlier than the second round. If Flora is still on the board, they would consider him, but in this mock draft, they opt for Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress. Burress' well-rounded skills and potential power make him an attractive choice for the O's.
The Athletics, known for their big hits with against-the-grain selections, are expected to take Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell, despite his recent injury. Bell's talent and potential make him a top 10 prospect, and the A's history of taking risks on talented players could lead them to a college hitter projected to go later in the first round.
The Atlanta Braves, known for their preference for premium on-mound athletes, are expected to select Stoneman Douglas HS lefty Gio Rojas. Rojas' size, command, and high-end pitch data make him an attractive prospect, and his potential to sign a below-slot deal adds to his appeal.
The Colorado Rockies, under the new POBO Paul DePodesta, are expected to target college hitters with their Competitive Balance pick. LSU outfielder Derek Curiel, a bat-to-ball specialist with good center field defense and potential power, is a rumored target for several teams in this range. His skill would fit nicely in Coors Field.
The Washington Nationals, connected to two-way player Jared Grindlinger, are expected to select college hitters. Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia, with high-end bat-to-ball ability and some pop, is a strong contender. If not Gracia, then it could be Curiel, Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian, Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick, or Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese.
The Los Angeles Angels, under the new leadership after firing GM Perry Minasian, are expected to target quick-moving college players. Coastal Carolina righty Cameron Flukey, the draft's second-best pitching prospect, is a strong contender. His premium fastball/curveball combination makes him an attractive choice for the Halos.
The St. Louis Cardinals, at a time when power is more important than ever, are expected to select Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese. Reese's raw power and potential to improve defensively make him an intriguing choice, despite concerns about his long-term position.
The Miami Marlins, under POBO Peter Bendix, are expected to select Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick. Helfrick's exit velocity, good defense, and athleticism fit Miami's M.O. as an 'exit velocity guy'.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, known for their type on draft day, are expected to select Etowah HS outfielder Trevor Condon. Condon's smaller stature, great bat-to-ball skills, power upside, speed, and hair-on-fire playing style make him a perfect fit for the Diamondbacks.
The Texas Rangers, known for their 'famous' prospects, are expected to select Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron. Lebron's loud tools, including speed, power, and athleticism, make him an intriguing choice, despite concerns about his approach and plate discipline.
The Houston Astros, with their top two picks, are expected to look at college players who could get to Houston quickly. Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian is one of the best and most decorated college hitters of the 2020s, but concerns about his long-term position and ground ball swing could be a factor.
The Cincinnati Reds, known for their two-way player selections, are expected to select Huntington Beach HS righty Jared Grindlinger. Grindlinger's fascinating player profile and connection to several teams in the middle of the first round make him a strong contender.
The Cleveland Guardians, known for their focus on power and young players, are expected to select James Island HS shortstop Taj Marchand. Marchand's unorthodox swing mechanics and potential power make him an intriguing choice, despite concerns about his swing.
The Boston Red Sox, with a need for a third baseman, are expected to select Christ Church Episcopal School third baseman Bo Lowrance. Lowrance's potential and the Red Sox's interest in him earlier this spring make him a strong contender.
The San Diego Padres, known for their high school picks, are expected to select St. Ignatius Prep shortstop Archer Horn. Horn's left-handed hitting ability, power, and strong infield arm make him an attractive choice.
The Detroit Tigers, with a history of selecting high school hitters, are expected to select De La Salle HS shortstop Tyler Spangler. Spangler's offensive upside and the Tigers' recent success with high school hitters make him a strong contender.
The Chicago Cubs, unafraid of assuming injury risk for big upside, are expected to select UCLA righty Logan Reddemann. Reddemann's potential and the Cubs' willingness to take risks on talented players make him an intriguing choice.
The Seattle Mariners, known for their development of college pitching, are expected to select Florida righty Liam Peterson. Peterson's good fastball and feel for spinning the ball make him an attractive choice for the Mariners.
The Milwaukee Brewers, known for their 'type' on draft day, are expected to select Magnolia Heights HS infielder/catcher Cole Prosek. Prosek's feel for centering the ball, knack for grinding out at-bats, and athleticism make him a strong contender.
The New York Mets, with their first-round pick moved back 10 spots due to the CBT penalty, are expected to select a college hitter. Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian is a strong contender, despite concerns about his long-term position and ground ball swing.
