2026 MLB Mock Draft 2.0 Preview

The Sporting Tribune’s second mock lands just 24 hours before the first overall pick, painting a picture of a first round still swirling with uncertainty. Bonus demands are already pacing north of $9 million, with several top prospects expected to command $9.5‑$9.75 million, and clubs are whispering “chaos” as models override traditional scouting opinions. Tampa Bay’s recent $1.8 million net gain from competitive‑balance trades illustrates how front offices are now treating the draft like an open market, blending advanced metrics with on‑field performance and age relevance.

Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky (SS, UCLA)

The White Sox face a tight race between Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, with bonus expectations set to break the $9.3 million barrier. Signing bonuses are projected in the $9.5‑$9.75 million range, out‑pacing what immediate successors such as Tampa Bay or San Francisco will likely offer. General manager Chris Getz and Mike Shirley have both shown strong early interest in Cholowsky, though the final decision may hinge on how much sway Shirley wields in the war room.

Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson (SS, Fort Worth Christian HS, TX)

Emerson joins Cholowsky and Vahn Lackey as the trio most likely to be selected in the first three to five picks. The Rays’ models are beginning to shift in Emerson’s favor, and a $1.8 million gain from recent trades gives Tampa Bay flexibility to maneuver. The club remains confident that the top three will go to SS prospects, with little room for deviation.

Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey (C, Georgia Tech)

Lackey lands at Minnesota after the Twins prioritize a catcher and a pitcher in their early exposure. The Twins’ internal board still lists Emerson first, Lackey second and Jackson Flora third, suggesting a clear hierarchy. Even if Lackey is taken elsewhere, the Twins are prepared to pivot to Flora or another arm without missing the round’s glide‑path.

San Francisco Giants: Eric Booth Jr. (OF, Oak Grove HS, MS)

San Francisco’s interest in Eric Booth Jr. stems from a desire to upgrade its outfield without sacrificing draft capital. The Giants have signaled they could swing for Roch Cholowsky at pick four if a compelling table offer materializes, placing Booth as a floor pick. Their financial flexibility and a 25 percent chance of a trade underscore the volatility of the early slots.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Jackson Flora (RHP, UC‑Santa Barbara)

The Pirates select Flora, a right‑handed pitcher with a strong upside, despite lingering interest in Vahn Lackey. Pittsburgh’s deep financial resources could allow them to push Lackey beyond the early rounds if needed, but Flora remains the more targeted arm. The organization’s long‑standing ties to both Flora and the nearby collegiate market inform the choice.

Kansas City Royals: Jacob Lombard (SS, Gulliver Prep, FL)

Lombard is the Royals’ priority signal caller, a prep shortstop who has been linked to Kansas City for weeks. The Royals’ chatter suggests they are prepared for a chaotic outcome, with Lombard seen as the most reliable option among the early infielders. Their recent flurry of rumors indicates a potential for a splash pick that could reshape the early draft narrative.

Baltimore Orioles: Drew Burress (OF, Georgia Tech)

Baltimore settles on Burress, a Georgia Tech outfielder who offers power and a solid bat profile. The Orioles view Burress as the floor pick if neither Jacob Lombard nor Eric Booth Jr. is available, but they also keep an eye on Justin LeBron and Jared Grindlinger as wild‑card options. Their scouting department emphasizes up‑the‑middle talent, which aligns with Burress’s skill set.

Athletics: Tyler Bell (SS, Kentucky)

The Athletics build their middle‑infield future with Tyler Bell, a Kentucky shortstop known for his high‑contact approach. Bell’s profile fits the club’s model of selecting athletic, contact‑heavy up‑the‑middle players, and he has been a frequent name in the organization’s conversations. His ability to handle multiple defensive roles adds value for a rebuilding roster.

Atlanta Braves: Gio Rojas (LHP, Stoneman Douglas HS, FL)

Atlanta targets Rojas, a left‑handed prep pitcher who projects as a swing‑type arm for the rotation. The Braves are open to a flip‑pick at their 26th selection, possibly bringing in a college bat like A.J. Gracia while keeping Rojas at a premium slot. Their interest in Rojas underscores a blend of prep upside and strategic flexibility.

Colorado Rockies: Derek Curiel (OF, LSU)

Colorado leans on Curiel, an LSU outfielder who provides a blend of speed and power for Coors Field. The Rockies’ model places Curiel ahead of other college hitters, though Bell and Burress remain as potential floor options. Curiel’s bat and defensive versatility make him a solid reinforcement for a team looking to improve its outfield depth.

Washington Nationals: Jared Grindlinger (OF/LHP, Huntington Beach HS, CA)

Washington selects Grindlinger, a dual‑threat prep who can both hit and pitch, showcasing a rare athletic profile. The Nationals have maintained a firm conviction on Grindlinger, viewing him as a capable of contributing either as a hitter or a reliever. His range of 15‑20 picks and the lack of a handshake deal reinforce the club’s disciplined approach.

Los Angeles Angels: Liam Peterson (RHP, Florida)

The Angels exercise full autonomy with their first pick, choosing Liam Peterson, a right‑handed arm from Florida. The organization’s post‑Minasian era emphasizes arms, and Peterson’s blend of velocity and command fits that philosophy. While names like Logan Reddemann and Hunter Dietz were in play, the model narrowed the focus to Peterson.

St. Louis Cardinals: Ryder Helfrick (C, Arkansas)

St. Louis targets Helfrick, an Arkansas catcher who brings a strong defensive background and a bat to back up the lineup. The Cardinals’ early-round focus remains on hitters, with Curiel and Grindlinger as backup considerations. Helfrick’s ability to handle the workload behind the plate makes him a fit for a team looking to shore up its catching depth.

Miami Marlins: Chris Hacopian (2B, Texas A&M)

Miami adds Hacopian, a Texas A&M second baseman who offers solid contact and defensive range. The Marlins’ early‑round strategy mirrors that of the Cardinals, emphasizing college bats with positional value. Hacopian’s ability to play multiple infield spots gives Miami flexibility in constructing a middle infield core.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Trevor Condon (OF, Etowah HS, GA)

Arizona chooses Condon, a high‑profile prep outfielder who has drawn significant early interest. While Condon is linked to Arizona, the Diamondbacks remain open to moving up for Bell, Rojas or Curiel if they become available. Condon’s raw power and athletic tools justify the premium slot the D‑Backs have allocated.

Texas Rangers: Mason Edwards (LHP, USC)

Texas selects Edwards, a left‑handed pitcher from USC who brings pinpoint control and a mid‑projected ceiling. The Rangers’ early‑round focus includes college arms and prep hitters, with Edwards fitting their rotation needs. His clean medicals and age relevance have elevated him to a top‑tier LHP on most boards.

Houston Astros: Justin LeBron (SS, Alabama)

Houston builds its infield depth with LeBron, an Alabama shortstop whose upside outweighs his current hit‑tool deficiencies. The Astros see LeBron as a potential star and are willing to bet on his future performance. If LeBron falls, Houston has contingency plans to target Sawyer Strosnider or a falling bat.

Cincinnati Reds: Zion Rose (OF, Louisville)

Cincinnati invests in Rose, an Louisville outfielder who has turned in a productive end‑of‑season performance. Rose’s model‑driven rankings and improved health make him an attractive option for a Reds roster seeking younger talent. The Reds’ scouting philosophy emphasizes athletes who can contribute both offensively and defensively.

Cleveland Guardians: Ace Reese (3B, Mississippi State)

Cleveland selects Reese, a Mississippi State third baseman whose short‑wood bat performance aligns with the Guardians’ preferences. The Guardians’ model heavily weights up‑the‑middle athletes, and Reese’s profile fits that need. Reese is expected to be a teen pick, possibly higher than his current draft position suggests.

Boston Red Sox: Tegan Kuhns (RHP, Tennessee)

Boston rounds out its early picks with Kuhns, a right‑handed pitcher from Tennessee who adds velocity to the bullpen. The Red Sox view Kuhns as a potential relief contributor, with Grindlinger and Lowrance as nearby considerations. Kuhns’ arm strength and late‑season breakout make him a solid addition for a Red Sox staff seeking depth.

San Diego Padres: Bo Lowrance (3B, Christ Church Episcopal HS, SC)

San Diego secures Lowrance, a prep third baseman who offers power and athletic versatility. Lowrance’s ceiling matches the Padres’ desire for a future staple at the hot‑corner, and the club kept the option open for a flip‑pick at 26 if needed. His combination of bat speed and defensive instincts gives San Diego a compelling middle‑infielder prospect.

Detroit Tigers: Cameron Flukey (RHP, Coastal Carolina)

Detroit targets Flukey, a right‑handed pitcher from Coastal Carolina who provides electric arm speed for the rotation. The Tigers are increasingly open to taking a falling arm, with Flukey, Peterson, Edwards and Reddemann all in play. Flukey’s performance and durability make him a viable option for a staff looking to add depth.

Chicago Cubs: A.J. Gracia (OF, Virginia)

Chicago selects Gracia, a Virginia outfielder who brings situational hitting and speed to the outfield corners. The Cubs see Gracia as a possible floor pick if higher‑priced arms like Rose or Reese are unavailable, with Taylor Rabe and Cade Townsend as backup plans. His blend of contact and power aligns with the Cubs’ offensive rebuilding goals.

Seattle Mariners: Taylor Rabe (RHP, Ole Miss)

Seattle rounds out its early picks with Rabe, a right‑handed pitcher from Ole Miss who offers consistent strike‑out potential. Rabe’s profile matches the Mariners’ emphasis on pitching depth, and the club kept an eye on Condon as a potential floor pick. His ability to locate pitches well makes him a solid addition to a Mariners rotation looking for complement arms.

Milwaukee Brewers: Cole Prosek (SS, Magnolia Heights HS, MS)

Milwaukee adds Prosek, a prep shortstop who is regarded as the second‑best pure hitting prospect in the class. Prosek’s tools and bat speed have drawn interest across the first round, and the Brewers see him as a potential centerpiece for their infield. While other names like Ebel and James Clark are on the board, Prosek offers the most immediate offensive upside.

Atlanta Braves (Prospect Promotion Incentive Pick): Cade Townsend (RHP, Ole Miss)

As a promotional pick, Atlanta adds Townsend, a right‑handed Ole Miss arm who could develop into a mid‑rotation piece. Townsend’s presence allows the Braves to address a potential need for left‑handed pitching while still maintaining focus on their primary targets, Lowrance or Prosek. This pick reflects the Braves’ strategic use of incentive picks to secure valuable talent.

New York Mets (Prospect Promotion Incentive Pick): Caden Sorrell (OF, Texas A&M)

The Mets select Sorrell, a Texas A&M outfielder known for his power‑over‑average bat speed, providing a potential long‑term corner‑ outfield arm. Sorrell’s combination of raw power and defensive flexibility gives the Mets a player who can develop into a mainstay in the outfield. This incentive pick aligns with the Mets’ aim to add athletes with high ceiling and positional versatility.

Houston Astros (Prospect Promotion Incentive Pick): Sawyer Strosnider (OF, TCU)

Houston rounds out its incentive selections with Strosnider, a TCU outfielder who is gaining traction on multiple boards. Strosnider’s blend of speed and plate discipline makes him a viable option for a club looking to add a versatile bat. Even as his stock slipped slightly, Houston’s interest remained strong enough to secure him at this stage.

San Francisco Giants (Competitive Balance A): Carson Boleman (LHP, Southside Christian HS, SC)

San Francisco uses its competitive‑balance pick on Boleman, a left‑handed prep pitcher who could provide bullpen depth. Boleman’s upside and control make him an attractive option for a Giants staff searching for additional arms. This selection also leaves room to revert to Cholowsky if the Giants can swing a larger package earlier in the draft.

Kansas City Royals (Competitive Balance A): Coleman Borthwick (RHP, South Walton HS, FL)

Kansas City targets Borthwick, a right‑handed prep pitcher with notable velocity and strike‑out ability. Borthwick’s size and stuff align with the Royals’ desire to add bullpen arms capable of opening a rotation slot down the road. This competitive‑balance pick adds depth to a Royals staff looking for additional pitching prospects.

Arizona Diamondbacks (Competitive Balance A): Ben Blair (RHP, Liberty)

Arizona rounds out its balance selections with Blair, a right‑handed arm from Liberty who brings a puzzling mix of velocity and control. Blair’s profile offers a potential back‑of‑the‑rotation option for a Diamondbacks organization focused on improving its starting staff. This pick reflects Arizona’s willingness to explore a broader pool of arms in pursuit of value.

St. Louis Cardinals (Competitive Balance A): Logan Reddemann (RHP, UCLA)

St. Louis adds Reddemann, a right‑handed college pitcher who brings experience and a decent strike‑out rate. Reddemann’s recent medicals and performance give the Cardinals a reliable mid‑tier arm for future rotation depth. This balance pick underscores St. Louis’s commitment to strengthening its pitching pipeline beyond the early rounds.

Tampa Bay Rays (Competitive Balance A): Taj Marchand (SS, James Island HS, SC)

Tampa Bay secures Marchand, a prep shortstop who provides speed and defensive instincts for the middle infield. Marchand’s tools give the Rays an internal option to develop a solid utility infielder, aligning with their emphasis on athletic, contact‑oriented prospects. This balance selection adds depth to a Rays organization already rich in defensive talent.

Pittsburgh Pirates (Competitive Balance A): Jensen Hirschkorn (RHP, Kingsburg HS, CA)

Pittsburgh targets Hirschkorn, a right‑handed prep pitcher who could contribute as a relief asset or a future starter. Hirschkorn’s work ethic and arm characteristics provide the Pirates with a potential depth piece for their bullpen. This competitive‑balance addition supports Pittsburgh’s goal to shore up pitching depth without over‑extending early draft capital.

New York Yankees (Competitive Balance A): Aiden Ruiz (SS, The Stony Brook HS, NJ)

New York selects Ruiz, a prep shortstop whose local connection complements the Yankees’ scouting network. The Yankees have shown genuine interest in Ruiz beyond just his geographic ties, valuing his tools and work ethic. This balance pick gives the Yankees another internal infielder to develop for the long term.

Philadelphia Phillies (Competitive Balance A): Archer Horn (SS/RHP, St. Ignatius HS, CA)

Philadelphia adds Horn, a dual‑threat prep who can both hit and throw, offering versatility for the Phillies’ infield depth. Horn’s combination of speed and arm strength makes him a compelling addition for a Phillies organization looking to strengthen its internal talent pool. The direct connection made in multiple mocks signals a firm conviction from the Phillies’ scouting department.

Colorado Rockies (Competitive Balance A): Jack Slightom (RHP, Lyons HS, IL)

Colorado rounds out its balance selections with Slightom, a right‑handed prep pitcher who brings command and mid‑90s velocity. Slightom’s ability to work both as a starter and reliever gives the Rockies flexibility in constructing their rotation. This pick reflects Colorado’s effort to add arms capable of thriving in Coors Field’s unique environment.

Colorado Rockies (Competitive Balance A): Hunter Dietz (LHP, Arkansas)

Colorado adds Dietz, a left‑handed Arkansas pitcher who projects as a solid mid‑rotation option. Dietz’s control and pitchability give the Rockies a reliable arm that could develop into a quality starter. This selection complements the previous pick, adding both left‑ and right‑handed depth to the Rockies’ pitching pipeline.

Toronto Blue Jays (Competitive Balance A): Aiden Robbins (OF, Texas)

Toronto rounds out its balance picks with Robbins, a Texas outfielder who brings power and defensive versatility to the mix. Robbins’ combination of raw tools and advanced swing mechanics aligns with the Blue Jays’ emphasis on athletic outfield talent. This selection gives Toronto another developmental prospect to add to its outfield core.

Los Angeles Dodgers (Competitive Balance A): Cole Carlon (LHP, Arizona State)

Los Angeles finalizes its balance sheet with Carlon, a left‑handed Arizona State pitcher who offers a plus slider and respectable velocity. The Dodgers have shown a keen interest in college lefties, and Carlon’s profile fits that strategic focus. This pick adds depth to a Dodgers staff already stocked with high‑prospect arms, providing a potential future rotation piece.