2026 MLB Draft: Expert Mock Post-Lottery Selections
The aftermath of the MLB Draft lottery sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft. While some positions may shift due to free agent signings, the draft order is largely determined.
2026 MLB Draft: Early Predictions
The Atlanta Braves are anticipated to make two significant picks: 9th and 26th overall. The 26th pick comes as a result of Drake Baldwin winning the Rookie of the Year award. Here’s a look at the projected top selections if the draft were held today.
Top Mock Draft Selections
- 1. Chicago White Sox – Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
- 2. Tampa Bay Rays – Grady Emerson, SS, Texas HS
- 3. Minnesota Twins – Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
- 4. San Francisco Giants – Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida
- 5. Pittsburgh Pirates – Derek Curiel, OF, LSU
- 6. Kansas City Royals – Tyler Spangler, SS, California HS
- 7. Baltimore Orioles – AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia
- 8. Oakland Athletics – Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina
- 9. Atlanta Braves – Jacob Lombard, SS, Florida HS
- 10. Colorado Rockies – Eric Becker, SS, Virginia
- 11. Washington Nationals – Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCU
- 12. Los Angeles Angels – Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
- 13. St. Louis Cardinals – Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech
- 14. Miami Marlins – Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State
- 15. Arizona Diamondbacks – Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
- 16. Texas Rangers – Chris Hacopian, SS, Texas A&M
- 17. Houston Astros – Kevin Roberts Jr., OF/RHP, Mississippi HS
- 18. Cincinnati Reds – Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M
- 19. Cleveland Guardians – Carson Bolemon, LHP, South Carolina HS
- 20. Boston Red Sox – Blake Bowen, OF, California HS
- 21. San Diego Padres – Brady Harris, OF, Florida HS
- 22. Detroit Tigers – Gio Rojas, LHP, Florida HS
- 23. Chicago Cubs – Joey Volchko, RHP, Georgia
- 24. Seattle Mariners – Coleman Borthwick, RHP, Florida HS
- 25. Milwaukee Brewers – Chris Rembert, 2B, Auburn
- 26. Atlanta Braves – Logan Schmidt, LHP, California HS
Evaluating Potential Picks
Several prospects stand out for their potential to make an impact. Roch Cholowsky leads the draft boards despite inconsistencies during international events. Grady Emerson is another name to watch, showcasing remarkable skills that could elevate him to the top pick.
The Braves, choosing at 9th, could solidify their shortstop position. Jacob Lombard is a name to note, as he brings knockout potential but faces questions over his batting ability. Should he progress, he may rise in the rankings.
The overarching theme of the 2026 MLB Draft is the uncertainty surrounding player development and team needs. As the season unfolds and free agency progresses, the draft order could see further adjustments.
