2026 MLB mock draft 1.0: Who will go No. 1 to the White Sox?
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 MLB draft mock reveals a competitive race for the No. 1 overall pick, with the Chicago White Sox likely choosing shortstop Roch Cholowsky from UCLA, though Grady Emerson is a close contender.
- The Tampa Bay Rays are projected to select Grady Emerson, while the Minnesota Twins are expected to pick Vahn Lackey, a catcher from Georgia Tech, as the clear third-best player in the draft.
- The San Francisco Giants, with their new regime, are leaning toward high-upside high school players like Jacob Lombard, while the Pittsburgh Pirates might prefer college players with quicker impact potential such as Jackson Flora.
- Several teams, including the Padres and Brewers, are anticipated to target prep left-handed pitchers in the first round, with notable names like Gio Rojas and Logan Schmidt projected in the top 40 picks.
- Injuries and medical evaluations will influence draft positions, as seen with players like Tyler Bell and Hunter Dietz, while some prospects with high upside but risk factors, such as Brody Bumila, may still be drafted within the first 40 picks.