The 2026 MLB Draft opens on July 11, and the Chicago White Sox hold the No. 1 overall selection. Most expert mock drafts line up UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky as the top candidate, followed by Texas high school infielder Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. These three players are consistently ranked at the top of draft boards heading into the opening day.
Vanderbilt’s Draft Impact
Several Vanderbilt baseball commitments are primed for Day 1 picks, reflecting the program’s growing pipeline to the majors. Outfielder Eric Booth Jr., infielder Aiden Ruiz and southpaw Sean Duncan are all expected to hear their names called early in the draft. Their performance in college could reshape Vanderbilt’s roster and set a new benchmark for future recruiting.
Local Nashville Talent in the Mix
Two local prospects have earned spots inside ESPN’s most recent top 100 rankings, adding excitement for Tennessee fans. CPA left‑hander Bo Holloway, a Vanderbilt commit, and Columbia Academy infielder Gunner Skelton are drawing attention for their elite tools and competitive poise. Both players represent the growing talent pool emerging from Nashville’s high school baseball scene.
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
CPA pitcher Bo Holloway (21) throws to a Lipscomb Academy batter during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
CPA pitcher Bo Holloway (21) throws to a Lipscomb Academy batter during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
Lipscomb Academy shortstop Jack Dugan (11) drops the ball while attempting to tag CPA’s Roman Abbagnaro (36) at second base during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
CPA pitcher Bo Holloway (21) throws to a Lipscomb Academy batter during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
CPA left fielder Kyler Gorley (4) watches a home run hit by Lipscomb Academy’s Jack Dugan during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
CPA pitcher Bo Holloway (21) throws to a Lipscomb Academy batter during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
Lipscomb Academy’s Jack Dugan (11) is congratulated by coach Brad Coon after hitting a solo home run against CPA during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
Lipscomb Academy’s Jack Dugan (11) celebrates with teammate after hitting a solo home run against CPA during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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CPA faces Lipscomb Academy in TSSAA baseball matchup: Our best photos
CPA second baseman Ames Dabrowiak (2) turns a double play against Lipscomb Academy during the first inning of a TSSAA high school baseball game on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Live Draft Tracker and Real‑Time Updates
Fans can follow the MLB draft pick‑by‑pick with our dedicated tracker, which began at 12 p.m. CT on July 11. The live coverage includes prospect vitals, background on each player, and up‑to‑date results as teams make their selections. Staying tuned provides insight into how clubs build their future rosters and which prospects are rising on draft boards.
The opening day sets the tone for what could be a historically strong draft class, with Vanderbilt and other elite programs expected to see multiple alumni taken early. As the picks unfold, analysts will break down the strategic implications for each team and how this draft may reshape the league over the next few seasons. The excitement is only beginning, and every selection could influence the next wave of MLB talent.
Content Credit: This article was originally published on sports.yahoo.com.
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