The 2026 MLB Draft is fast approaching, and with it, a plethora of exciting storylines and prospects to follow. As an expert commentator, I'll be offering my insights and analysis on the key players and teams to watch. Let's dive into the six draft storylines that are set to captivate baseball fans this weekend.
Who Goes 1-1 to the White Sox?
The battle for the first overall pick is a tight one, with two high school pitchers, Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, in the running. In my mock draft, I had an even split between the two, but the latest updates suggest a slight lean towards Emerson. The interesting dynamic here is that both players play the same position, allowing for a direct comparison. Emerson is seen as a better prospect than Cholowsky was at the same age, which has tightened the race. However, the White Sox might prefer a college pitcher over a high school one, adding an extra layer of uncertainty. Personally, I think the White Sox will go with Emerson, but it's a close call.
What Happens After the Top 7 Go Off the Board?
After the top seven picks, the draft becomes a bit more unpredictable. Emerson and Cholowsky are in a tier of their own, followed by Vahn Lackey. Then, there's a tier of pitchers, including Jackson Flora, and high school hitters like Jacob Lombard and Eric Booth Jr. After that, the consensus next best guy is Drew Burress. However, after that, it's anyone's guess. The Royals might be interested in Gio Rojas at No. 6, but the order could easily shift. The first chance for things to diverge from the expected chalk is after the top six or seven picks.
Jared Grindlinger: Two-Way Player or Specialization?
Jared Grindlinger is a fascinating prospect, a legit two-way player who could go as high as the top 20 picks. The question is, will he be drafted as a hitter, a pitcher, or remain a two-way player? Most people I talk to believe he's better as a hitter, but the teams interested in him seem to think he's a better pitcher. It's a delicate balance, as drafting him as a pitcher might not be worth the high school pitcher's first-round money, but starting as a hitter and switching to pitching if needed is a safer option. The kid's story and versatility make him an intriguing prospect, but the teams have to decide what they're willing to pay for and how they want to develop him.
Biggest Wild Cards
Brody Bumila, LHP, Bishop Feehan (MA)
Brody Bumila is one of the better high school arms in the class, a 6-foot-9 left-hander with a 100 mph fastball. However, he had internal brace surgery in May 2025 and a recent revelation of a UCL injury in his left elbow has thrown his draft status into question. Teams will have to decide if they're willing to sign him and rehab him, making him a riskier pick. I think his athletic build and pitching potential make him worth the gamble, but it's a tough call.
Logan Reddemann, RHP, UCLA
Logan Reddemann had a stellar season for UCLA, striking out 18 against Rutgers. However, his season came to an abrupt end due to arm fatigue, later revealed to be a flexor strain. Despite this, he threw a live bullpen and executed his pitches well. The question is, how much do teams ding him for the way the season ended? If he's healthy, is he still the second-best college pitcher? I think he could go in the Top 10, but if he goes in the 30s as a second-round pick, it wouldn't be a surprise.
Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
Justin Lebron has the tools to be an exceptional player, but his performance didn't match his potential. He hit .229 in SEC play and .270 for the year, which is unusual for a college player going in the top half of the first round. I think he'll go in the middle of the first round, but could he surprise and go as high as the Top 10? It's a tough call, but his tools are too good to ignore.
Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle (CA)
Tyler Spangler is a high school shortstop with a left-handed hitting ability, checking off a lot of boxes for teams. However, he didn't play his senior year due to a back injury, raising questions about his health and medicals. He looked fine at the Combine, but signing him away from Stanford will require some certainty. I think he's a solid pick in the back half of the first round, but his health is a concern.
Carson Wiggins, RHP, Arkansas
Carson Wiggins is a college pitcher who missed the entire season due to internal brace surgery, but he did pitch at the Combine and looked good. His fastball averaged 99 mph with a max of 102, and he has an upper-80s slider. I think he'll go in the second round, but if he pops in the sandwich round, it wouldn't be a surprise. His potential is high, and his health is a concern, but he's a player to watch.
Teams to Watch
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have a near-record $19.1 million bonus pool, giving them the flexibility to be creative in their picks. I'm curious to see how they use their picks, as they haven't shown any super cute savings at the top. They take the best player and can still be aggressive later on.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies had a tough year, losing 119 games. They have the 10th pick and a $16 million bonus pool, with three of the first 28 picks. With new management and a need for help at the Major and Minor League levels, the Rockies have a big draft to make an impact.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have the most picks on Day 1 with seven, but no top 10 pick. They have the flexibility to take discounts and target high school pitchers, as they've done in the past.
Which Prospect Could Be a Surprise Top 10 Pick?
Every year, at least one player goes inside the top 11 who was ranked lower in MLB Pipeline's Draft prospect rankings than where they were picked. The question is, who could this year's surprise be? I think there are two college lefties, Mason Edwards from USC and Cole Carlon from Arizona State, who could end up going inside the Top 10. The Braves, in particular, could be a team to watch, taking a high school pitcher at a discount if they feel they've missed out on their top targets.
In conclusion, the 2026 MLB Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event with a plethora of storylines and prospects to follow. From the battle for the first overall pick to the wild cards and teams to watch, there's something for every baseball fan to enjoy. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as the draft unfolds.
