2026 MLB Draft: TV, Streams & Schedule

The 2026 MLB Draft arrives before the Midsummer Classic, giving fans a first look at baseball’s top prospects. The Chicago White Sox hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick, fueling speculation they might target a shortstop such as Grady Emerson or Roch Cholowsky. This guide breaks down where to watch the event and what the opening round could mean for the rest of the board. Below is everything you need to know to catch every crucial pick.

TV & Streaming Options

• TV channel: NBC and MLB Network on Saturday, July 11.
• Live stream: DIRECTV, Peacock, and MLB.com are available for Saturday’s coverage.
• MLB.com stream: Continues on Sunday, July 12 for Rounds 5‑20.

Saturday’s broadcast splits the early rounds: NBC handles picks 1‑10, while MLB Network shows picks 11‑40. All subsequent picks up to 135 move to MLB.com. On Sunday, MLB.com remains the exclusive home for the final rounds, starting at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Draft Day Schedule

• Date & rounds: Saturday, July 11 (Rounds 1‑4); Sunday, July 12 (Rounds 5‑20).
• Start times: 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday; 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.
• Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.

The event kicks off promptly at 1 p.m. ET on July 11, covering the crucial first four rounds. The second day shifts earlier, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on July 12. Fans can follow the entire draft from the historic convention center in Philadelphia.

First Round Highlights

Chicago’s top pick raises eyebrows because of the team’s known interest in shortstop talent. Prospects like Grady Emerson and Roch Cholowsky are among those projected into the early conversation. The opening round also includes special categories: Prospect Promotion Incentive picks and Competitive Balance Round A selections, adding extra nuance to the board. Expect the White Sox to use their power to shape the early pipeline for future seasons.