Watch: Team Odds, Top Prospects, and More Explained
Every December, baseball enthusiasts eagerly await the MLB draft lottery. This year, fans are keen to see if the 2026 lottery will bring unexpected outcomes. Notable recent results include the 2024 Guardians and the 2025 Nationals, which both defied expectations. Here’s a breakdown of key details regarding the upcoming event.
When Is the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery?
The 2026 MLB draft lottery is scheduled for December 9, during the Winter Meetings in Orlando. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. ET.
How to Stream the Draft Lottery
A live broadcast of the lottery will be available on MLB Network. Fans can also stream the event on MLB.com.
Understanding the MLB Draft Lottery
Implemented under a collective bargaining agreement in 2022, the draft lottery aims to discourage teams from deliberately losing games, known as tanking. All non-playoff teams have the opportunity to win one of the top six selections. Odds are determined based on the final standings.
The lottery mechanism involves an air-blown machine that randomly selects numbered ping pong balls. Four balls create a code, which is tied to a specific team. This process continues until the top six picks are established, and remaining teams are ordered by their original standings.
Teams with the Best Lottery Odds
This year, the Chicago White Sox lead the odds at 27.73% for the coveted No. 1 pick. Following them are the Minnesota Twins at 22.18%, and the Pittsburgh Pirates at 16.81%. Contrastingly, the Houston Astros have the lowest chance, standing at just 0.34%.
Ineligible Teams for the Lottery
- The Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels will not participate this year.
- The Rockies had the worst record but opted into the lottery in the past two years.
- The Nationals and Angels, both revenue payors, participated last year; thus, they are ineligible for consecutive years.
- These teams will pick no sooner than 10th overall, with the Rockies at 10th, Nationals at 11th, and Angels at 12th.
Draft Order for Non-Lottery Teams
The draft order for postseason teams is determined by their playoff performance and overall standings. Here’s the current order for eligible teams:
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 18 | Reds |
| 19 | Guardians |
| 20 | Red Sox |
| 21 | Padres |
| 22 | Tigers |
| 23 | Cubs |
| 24 | Mariners |
| 25 | Brewers |
| 26 | Braves |
| 27 | Mets |
| 28 | Astros |
| 29 | Guardians |
| 30 | Royals |
| 31 | Diamondbacks |
| 32 | Cardinals |
| 33 | Orioles |
| 34 | Pirates |
| 35 | Yankees |
| 36 | Phillies |
| 37 | Rockies |
| 38 | Rockies |
| 39 | Blue Jays |
| 40 | Dodgers |
Top Prospects for the 2026 Draft
The latest rankings from Baseball America highlight UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky as the top prospect. He is followed closely by Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, noted for his well-rounded hitting abilities.
The upcoming draft promises an intriguing mix of opportunities and surprises, as teams strategize for future success.
