AL East 2026 draft report cards: Rays bet on upside; Red Sox stretch with first pick

Key Points:

• The Baltimore Orioles' top pick was Eric Booth Jr., a fast and strong Mississippi high schooler with potential as a plus defender, complemented by a draft class focused on upside and development.
• The Boston Red Sox selected UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner early, a reach based on rankings but valued for his bat-to-ball skills and running ability, with a draft class emphasizing contact hitters and pitching depth.
• The New York Yankees, despite a 10-pick penalty, secured Arkansas left-hander Hunter Dietz at pick 35, a high-upside starter recovering from injury, and added promising arms and hitters throughout their early rounds.
• Tampa Bay Rays took top high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the second overall pick, highlighting his advanced hitting and future power, and built a draft class rich in young pitching talent and athleticism.
• Toronto Blue Jays, also penalized 10 picks, focused on quality over quantity with first-round arm Cole Carlon, versatile hitter Ryan Cooney, and catcher Will Brick, who is expected to be a key signing and use most of their bonus pool.