MLB Opens 2026 Draft With White Sox at No. 1 and $19.13 Million Pirates Pool
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 10
MLB Opens 2026 Draft With White Sox at No. 1 and $19.13 Million Pirates Pool
3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 10
Summary
Saturday’s draft opens in Philadelphia with Chicago holding the No. 1 pick, while the largest bonus pool belongs to Pittsburgh at $19.13 million and Tampa Bay has $19.01 million.
Roch Cholowsky remains the projected top selection despite a late dip in momentum, with Grady Emerson’s rise giving the White Sox a sharper choice between polish and upside.
Vahn Lackey has also pushed into the top tier after a strong finish at Georgia Tech, and the preview projects him to Minnesota at No. 3.
NBC and Peacock will carry picks 1-10 from 1 p.m. Saturday, with the two-day event running through Sunday as part of Philadelphia’s All-Star festivities.