White Sox projected to pick Grady Emerson first overall in 2026 MLB Draft
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 7
White Sox projected to pick Grady Emerson first overall in 2026 MLB Draft
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 7
The first mock draft, ahead of the July 11 draft in Philadelphia, has Tampa Bay taking Roch Cholowsky second and Minnesota selecting catcher Vahn Lackey third.
The projection says Chicago is leaning toward prep shortstops Emerson and Jacob Lombard, though Cholowsky entered spring as the consensus top prospect and remains in contention.
The report describes the class as weaker at the top but deeper in high school pitching, with compensation and tax penalties reshaping first-round order through pick 28.
Will the White Sox risk it all on a high schooler or take the proven college shortstop at number one?
In a draft class called 'weak at the top,' which overlooked prospect has the best chance to become a superstar?
With the largest bonus pools ever, how will top teams manipulate the draft to land multiple first-round talents?