2026 MLB Draft Day 1 complete coverage
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 MLB Draft begins on July 11 with rounds 1-4 broadcast across NBC, Peacock, MLB Network, and MLB digital platforms, continuing on July 12 with rounds 5-20 streamed online.
- The Chicago White Sox selected shortstop Roch Cholowsky from UCLA as the first overall pick, praised as the best college shortstop prospect since Troy Tulowitzki.
- The Tampa Bay Rays chose Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson second overall, regarded as the best overall player in the class with five above-average tools.
- Other notable early picks include Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey to the Twins at No. 3, UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson Flora to the Giants at No. 4, and LSU outfielder Derek Curiel to the Pirates at No. 5.
- Several teams focused on college hitters in the top 10, with the Royals selecting Louisville outfielder Zion Rose at No. 6, Orioles picking Mississippi high school outfielder Eric Booth Jr. at No. 7, and Athletics and Braves opting for college bats Drew Burress and AJ Gracia respectively.
