Chicago White Sox Set for the No. 1 Pick in 2026 MLB Draft
The anticipation for the 2026 MLB Draft is building as fans and scouts alike prepare for July 11, when the Chicago White Sox will make the No. 1 overall selection. This significant moment coincides with the festive All-Star Game activities in Philadelphia, promising to bring an added layer of excitement to the event. With high school and college baseball seasons now in full swing, we are beginning to see emerging trends that could hint at what to expect come draft day.
Early Season Evaluations: Who's Rising?
With ample game data now accumulating, scouts can derive substantive insights into player performances. As of May, several high school athletes and collegiate players are on the rise, transforming their draft prospects. Below are ten players climbing the draft boards, along with their projected selections.
Jake Brown: The Hitting Phenom
Originally drafted as a pitcher, Jake Brown has transitioned smoothly into his role as a hitter at LSU. With an OPS of .810 over 108 plate appearances, Brown's offensive prowess has been highlighted by his outstanding .320/.407/.528 batting line from last season where he helped lead his team to a national championship. In spring, he has demonstrated an impressive increase in power, showcasing his ability to hit home runs. His exceptional arm strength from his previous pitching experience further cements his future as a top right fielder.
Projected Draft Range: Top 50
Brody Bumila: The Towering Pitcher
Standing at an impressive 6'8” and weighing 245 pounds, left-handed pitcher Brody Bumila has generated buzz with a fastball peaking at 101 mph. This spring marks a return for Bumila following an internal brace procedure that sidelined him for his junior year. Despite his tendency to rely heavily on his fastball, his improving mechanics and past athletic accolades, including leading his basketball team to a state championship, suggest great potential.
Projected Draft Range: Top 75
Cole Carlon: The Rising Star from USC
Cole Carlon has made a successful transition from a bullpen role to a starting pitcher for USC, posting an impressive 3.33 ERA and remarkable strikeouts per nine innings. His increasing strikeout rate combined with a healthy frame offers him a favorable position heading into the draft. Although still honing his secondary pitches, his combination of size and velocity places him as a coveted prospect.
Projected Draft Range: Top 30
James Clark: The Shortstop Sensation
James Clark is making waves as an impressive shortstop in the class of 2026. Winning MVP accolades in a competitive California high school league adds to his impressive performance on the showcase circuit last summer. With a strong offensive profile and defensive skills that ensure he can hold the shortstop position, Clark stands out among his peers. His performance this spring has cemented him as a strong contender to be selected in the first round, even with a commitment to Princeton.
Projected Draft Range: Top 100
Evan Dempsey: The Two-Way Threat
The reigning winner of the John Olerud Award, Evan Dempsey is continuing to gain attention with a standout junior season. Primarily a pitcher with a mid-90s fastball and a strong breaking ball, Dempsey's added power as a hitter enhances his draft stock considerably. His versatility and talent on both sides of the ball make him an exciting prospect for teams.
Projected Draft Range: Top 40
Mason Edwards: The Breakout Lefty
Left-hander Mason Edwards has seen his draft stock soar after excelling in a Friday starter role at USC. Boasting advanced pitchability and excellent velocity, Edwards is demonstrating the skills that could elevate him into the upper echelons of the draft. His ability to mix pitches well has further solidified his reputation as a premier prospect.
Projected Draft Range: Top 75
Will Gasparino: The Comeback Kid
After a lackluster couple of years at Texas, Will Gasparino's transfer to UCLA has revitalized his career. Lowering his strikeout rate while boosting his home run tally, Gasparino is quickly regaining recognition among scouts and is now poised to be selected early in the draft.
Projected Draft Range: Top 5
Vahn Lackey: The All-Around Catcher
Initially viewed as the top catching prospect, Vahn Lackey has enhanced his appeal as an all-around player this spring. Transitioning from a contact hitter to someone who brings power to his game, while demonstrating superior defensive capabilities, Lackey is on the radar to be one of the first off the board.
Projected Draft Range: Top 50
Logan Reddemann: The Finished Product
After having success at the University of San Diego and the Cape Cod League, Logan Reddemann continues to impress during his time at UCLA. With excellent command and a sound repertoire, he might be one of the fastest players to reach MLB from the 2026 class.
Projected Draft Range: Top 50
Ruger Riojas: Emerging from the Shadows
Potentially one of the most intriguing stories in the draft class, Ruger Riojas is turning heads after a rough junior season. Known for his control, he’s now striking out significantly more batters, leading scouts to reevaluate his potential ahead of the draft.
Projected Draft Range: Top 50
Final Thoughts
The 2026 MLB Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially with a number of players gaining momentum as the seasons progress. Teams looking to bolster their rosters will have plenty of options with the prospects highlighted here. As scouting departments finalize their evaluations in the months leading up to the draft, many of these names could very well be pivotal in determining the future of their respective franchises.
