The Chicago White Sox have won the 2026 MLB draft lottery, securing the top pick in a year that promises an intriguing draft class. With a 102-loss season behind them, the White Sox are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. Here's a look at the top five picks in the 2026 MLB draft, based on industry sources and scouting reports.
Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
Cholowsky, a standout defender with solid tools, is a top prospect in the 2023 draft. He has developed both his hitting and power, earning comparisons to Dansby Swanson and Troy Tulowitzki. Cholowsky's performance at UCLA, where he hit 23 home runs as a sophomore, has solidified his lead for the top pick. However, the White Sox face a dilemma with too many talented players at the shortstop position.See AlsoAlexandre Pantoja's Gruesome Injury: UFC 323 Title Loss Explained | Full Breakdown & ReactionACC 2026 Football Schedule Breakdown: 9-Game vs 8-Game Teams ExplainedNFL Week 15: Seahawks vs Colts Preview and PredictionsRavens' Chidobe Awuzie Suffers Foot Injury in Cincinnati | Latest Update & AnalysisTampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian (Texas) HS, Texas commit
Emerson, a 6-foot-2 left-handed hitting shortstop, is a highly touted prep prospect. He has been consistently ranked as the top talent in the 2026 class and is a safer pick than most college players. The Rays' love for left-handed hitters and their history of selecting prep shortstops make Emerson a strong contender for the second pick.Minnesota Twins: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
Lebron, a 6-foot-2 shortstop, has shown significant improvement in his hitting and athleticism. He is a plus runner, thrower, and defender with above-average raw power. The Twins' willingness to take players with swing-and-miss potential and their love for collegiate shortstops make Lebron a strong candidate for the third pick.San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, CF, Georgia Tech
Burress, a 5-foot-8 center fielder, has shown a significant power surge at Georgia Tech, hitting 25 home runs as a freshman and 19 as a sophomore. He is above average in all five tools, but his power-oriented approach may need balancing in pro ball. The Giants' recent focus on college position players makes Burress a strong contender for the fourth pick.Pittsburgh Pirates: A.J. Gracia, OF, Virginia
Gracia, a 6-foot-3 center/right fielder, has shown impressive hitting skills, with a .305 average and 14 home runs as a freshman. He has improved his walk rate and reduced strikeouts as a sophomore. The Pirates' recent focus on free agency spending and their strength in the college position-player group make Gracia a strong contender for the fifth pick.
