2026 MLB Draft Kickoff: Top Prospects and Early Tracker

Chicago White Sox Open with Top Pick

The 2026 MLB Draft begins on July 11 with the first four rounds, and the Chicago White Sox hold the No. 1 overall selection. Most expert mock drafts project UCLA shortstop **Roch Cholowsky** as the candidate most likely to be taken by Chicago. The top three early names also include Texas high‑school infielder **Grady Emerson** and Georgia Tech catcher **Vahn Lackey**. White Sox General Manager Craig Calhoun has indicated the team will prioritize a premium athletic tool at the position.

With the first pick, the Sox aim to add a player who can contribute both at the plate and on the field, a blend that has become increasingly rare in today’s draft environment. The organization’s scouting report on Cholowsky highlights his 70‑plus mph bat speed and defensive responsiveness. Fan anticipation is high, as this could be the start of a resurgence for the South Side franchise.

Vanderbilt Commitments Likely to Shine on Draft Day

Several Vanderbilt baseball commitments are in line for selection during Day 1, according to recent draft coverage. Outfielder **Eric Booth Jr.**, infielder **Aiden Ruiz**, and southpaw **Sean Duncan** all flash elite tools that have scouts penciling them into early rounds. These three signings represent a core of the Commodores’ recent recruiting success, and they could become the draft’s biggest stories if they hear their names called early.

Vanderbilt’s 2026 class was praised for its depth and power, and the draft may reveal how quickly these players transition to professional baseball. Their college stats—Booth Jr.’s .310 average and Ruiz’s 20‑home‑run season—provide a solid baseline for professional expectations.

Local Stars Earn ESPN Top‑100 Recognition

Two Tennessee prospects have cracked ESPN’s most recent top‑100 list, both of them Vanderbilt commitments. CPA left‑handers **Bo Holloway** and Columbia Academy infielder **Gunner Skelton** have drawn league‑wide attention for their arm strength and hitting potential. Holloway’s 92‑mph fastball and Skelton’s 70‑plus‑mph bat have placed them well above average for high‑school prospects.

The spotlight on these hometown talents has energized Nashville fans ahead of the draft. Their high‑school achievements, including Holloway’s dominant performance against Lipscomb Academy, have already shown they can hold their own at the professional level.

Picture‑Perfect Game Day Moments

Below are the original images captured during CPA’s recent TSSAA matchup, showcasing the local talent that has caught the draft’s eye.

Live Draft Tracker for Day 1

Follow along with our MLB Draft tracker to see every pick live, complete with prospect vitals and stats. The first round got underway promptly at 12 p.m. CT, and the early picks already reflect the consensus opinions from expert mock drafts. Fans can check player grades, previous year’s high‑school stats, and college production as they scroll through the live updates.

The tracker will also feature slot‑value breakdowns, giving each team’s bonus pool context for strategic picks. Whether you’re a longtime baseball enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this real‑time feed ensures you won’t miss a single moment of the 2026 Draft’s defining hours.

Source note: This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MLB Draft tracker, live results, updates of 2026 draft picks so far