AL Central 2026 draft report cards: White Sox, Twins add elite talent; Royals get creative

Key Points:

• The Chicago White Sox, holding the No. 1 overall pick and the largest draft pool, selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky first overall, praised for his hitting and defense, with expectations of a quick rise through the minors.
• Cleveland Guardians focused on high-upside pitching talent, drafting Florida right-hander Liam Peterson with the first pick, noted for his velocity and secondary pitches, along with intriguing high school arms Logan Schmidt and Savion Sims.
• Detroit Tigers took Coastal Carolina right-hander Cameron Flukey at pick 22, considered a steal despite injury concerns, and emphasized infield talent with picks like Kansas shortstop Tyson LeBlanc and Louisiana high school shortstop Dominic Pellegrin.
• Kansas City Royals surprised with Louisville outfielder Zion Rose at No. 1, a strong hitter with defensive questions, and added promising pitchers like Taylor Rabe and Jack Slightom, maintaining their reputation for solid draft classes.
• Minnesota Twins selected Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey first overall, a unique athletic talent with a high ceiling, and emphasized pitching depth with selections such as Virginia Tech’s Brett Renfrow and Colorado high schooler Ethan Wachsmann.