Emerson overtakes Cholowsky as top prospect on MLB Pipeline's 2026 draft list

Fort Worth (Texas) Christian High School shortstop Grady Emerson has risen to the No. 1 position on MLB Pipeline’s refreshed Top 250 prospects for the 2026 MLB Draft, overtaking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. The shift reflects a consensus among many teams that Emerson offers greater upside and is the top hitter—college or high school—available in the draft class.

Emerson, the Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year, is praised for his disciplined swing, hard contact and left-handed power, with scouts projecting at least 25 home runs. He also demonstrates solid baserunning instincts and defensive ability at shortstop, making difficult plays appear routine.

Cholowsky entered the year as the leading candidate for the first overall pick, having guided UCLA to a preseason No. 1 ranking and earning back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year honors. His defensive grade was recently upgraded from 60 to 65, and he is regarded as a plus hitter with power potential.

Despite Cholowsky’s strong college résumé, MLB Pipeline notes that many teams view Emerson’s ceiling as higher. While the Chicago White Sox are still considered likely to select Cholowsky with the first overall pick on July 11, there is speculation that the organization’s ownership may favor Emerson, given the narrow talent gap between the two prospects.

The draft will begin on Saturday, July 11, with the first ten selections broadcast on NBC and Peacock, followed by rounds two through four on MLB Network and digital platforms. The second day of the draft continues on Sunday, July 12.