2026 MLB Draft Day 2 overview, schedule

Key Points:

• The 2026 MLB Draft's Day 1 saw the top three picks go to Roch Cholowsky (White Sox), Grady Emerson (Rays), and Vahn Lackey (Twins), with Day 2 starting at Round 5 and being fully broadcast on MLB.com.
• The shift of Day 2 beginning with Round 5 changes traditional drafting strategies, as teams historically used Rounds 3-4 for above-slot deals with high-school players, but this year's bonus pool structure may complicate that approach.
• Notable prospects in the mid-rounds include Archer Horn, a left-handed shortstop with strong arm velocity; Blake Bowen, a power-hitting outfielder with athleticism but contact issues; and Joseph Contreras, a Vanderbilt-committed right-handed pitcher with a promising forkball and fastball.
• Injuries and signability impact draft status, as seen with Carson Bailey, a left-handed pitcher recovering from knee surgery, and Landon Brown, a dual-position player with a strong fastball who may require a significant bonus to turn pro.
• Other prospects of interest include Denton Lord, a towering right-handed pitcher with fastball velocity up to 98 mph; Bo Holloway, a southpaw with a 100 mph fastball and changeup trust; and Kollin Ritchie, a power-hitting outfielder with high slugging but swing and strikeout concerns.