MLB releases schedule and mock selections ahead of 2026 Draft
MLB announced the July 11-12 schedule for the 2026 draft and published a mock top-40 list, highlighting prospects such as Grady Emerson and Roch Cholowsky.
MLB confirmed that the 2026 draft will begin on Saturday, July 11, with the first four rounds televised on NBC/Peacock and MLB Network, followed by additional coverage on MLB.com, MLB TV and MLB+. The second day of the draft, covering rounds five through twenty, is set for Sunday, July 12, with streaming on MLB platforms.
Analysts released a mock draft of the top 40 selections. The White Sox, holding the first pick, are projected to choose shortstop Roch Cholowsky from UCLA, while the Rays could select shortstop Grady Emerson, a high-school standout from Fort Worth, Texas. The Twins are expected to take catcher Vahn Lackey from Georgia Tech at the third spot.
Other notable projections include the Pirates potentially selecting outfielder Eric Booth Jr., the Royals targeting right-hander Jackson Flora, and the Orioles eyeing outfielder-catcher Drew Burress. The draft outlook features a mix of high-school and college talent across positions, with teams weighing options such as left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas, outfielder AJ Gracia, and third-baseman Ace Reese.
The mock also lists supplemental first-round picks, naming prospects like left-hander Brody Bumila and right-hander Cameron Borthwick among the later selections.