With the draft lottery wrapping up this week, it’s the perfect time to dive into which top prospects could slot where in the 2026 MLB Draft. The Chicago White Sox are officially on the clock with the first overall pick in July after winning the lottery

The 2026 class is going to be littered with top-tier talent and will surely make for a deep class. We’ll have continual updates on this draft class and everything related to the MLB Draft through our college and draft branch, On the Clock.

Top College Draft Prospects

College baseball is at an all-time high in terms of development and talent. Draft prospects are cracking big league rosters faster and at higher rates than ever, so let’s dive into some of the top names to watch for the upcoming 2026 season!

Roch Cholowsky is the Clear Top Prospect

UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky is the early favorite for the first overall pick in 2026, a true five-tool player who should make a quick impact on the South Side of Chicago if things go as currently expected.

After posting a 1.190 OPS with 23 home runs, 74 RBI, and 45 walks to 30 strikeouts for the Bruins in 2025 in the midst of an Omaha run. With a pro-ready frame at 6’2 200 lbs, and elite defensive tools, he feels like a slam dunk for any organization.

Cameron Flukey Skyrocketing Stock

After the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers made their first Omaha appearance since their National Title in 2016, coming up just short as the runner up to LSU in 2025, led by ace RHP Cameron Flukey.

Flukey took arguably the largest step between his freshman and sophomore season, with long levers standing at 6’6, an electric fastball running up to the upper 90’s, paired with elite secondaries, Flukey honed in his control racking up 118 strikeouts in 101.2 innings in 2025.

When it’s all said and done, it’s easy to why see the Chants ace could end up being the first arm taken off the board.

Just Baseball Trivia of the Week

Our newsletter will have a trivia question every week to test and expand the baseball knowledge of our subscribers! The answer to the weekly trivia question will be at the bottom of the newsletter each week.

Which college has producted the most number one overall picks of all time?

A) LSU

B) UCLA

C) Arizona State

D) Texas

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Top Prep Draft Prospects

The prep run has proved to be rich with talent, with first overall pick in 2025 being Eli Willits to the Washington Nationals, who will be the top prep players for 2026?

Grady Emerson Leads the Way

Emerson has a stronghold as the top prep player for the 2026 MLB Draft, with an elite approach and smooth swing from the left side and excellent bat-to-ball skills. Like most prep players, there’s some power that needs to be tapped into down the line, but with extremely good range and athleticism, he should be able to stick at shortstop.

He plays a premium position at a high level and has a safe profile, but huge ceiling to dream on.

Will Brick is the Top Backstop

Mississippi State commit Will Brick reclassified to 2026 and immediately became the top catcher of the group, and scouts have raved about him on both sides of the ball. Elite defense with a cannon for an arm paired with offensive firepower, there’s a lot to be excited about here.

Brick shows excellent pop times and athleticism out of the crouch and should be a guarantee to stick behind the dish long term. He’s very physical at the plate and has been projected to develop above-average in-game power down the line despite having not tapped into it in games quite yet.

What he lacks with in-game power right now, he more than makes up for with his bat-to-ball skills and approach with his very low whiff and chase rates.

Other Headlines

⏰ The draft lottery went down last night in Orlando and here is the order of the top 10 picks in the 2026 MLB Draft:

• 1st: Chicago White Sox

• 2nd: Tampa Bay Rays

• 3rd: Minnesota Twins

• 4th: San Francisco Giants

• 5th: Pittsburgh Pirates

🚨 Kyle Schwarber resigned with the Phillies and Edwin Diaz signed with the defending champion Dodgers yesterday. Read our full analysis here!

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Trivia Answer: C) Arizona State

The Arizona State Sun Devils hold the most first overall picks of all time with four, the most recent being Tigers 1B Spencer Torkelson in 2020.

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