2026 MLB Draft Predictions: Kiley McDaniel's Insights

The 2026 MLB draft started Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, and Kiley McDaniel presented his final projections for the first two rounds. The anticipation began with the No. 1 pick, which the Chicago White Sox debated among three players at the top of the draft class: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas prep shortstop Grady Emerson, and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. Though it was likely that these three would be selected with the first three picks, the selection order remained uncertain, making the first round a wide-open contest.

The predictions began with the White Sox’s selection:
1. Chicago White Sox - Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA (Rank: 1)
The decision was not finalized, but the competition between Cholowsky and Emerson was tight, with Lackey close behind. Lackey's late start in competitive baseball and his challenges as a catcher kept him slightly behind the others. McDaniel suggested that Cholowsky's lower risk proximity might give him an edge.

2. Tampa Bay Rays - Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (Texas) (Rank: 2)
The Rays showed considerable interest in Lackey, but it appeared they might favor Emerson. The asking prices for both players were expected to be comparable, making the Rays' final choice a matter of preference.

3. Minnesota Twins - Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech (Rank: 3)
The Twins were believed to select whoever of the top three players was still available. Despite swirling rumors about potential cuts and other players, this pick seemed increasingly straightforward with Lackey remaining among the top players.

4. San Francisco Giants - Eric Booth Jr., CF, Oak Grove HS (Miss.) (Rank: 5)
Several names had been rumored, including Booth, Jacob Lombard, and Jackson Flora. The Giants might opt for Booth over Lombard, mainly due to the perceived upside of selecting a high school hitter.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates - Drew Burress, CF, Georgia Tech (Rank: 7)
The expectation had been that the Pirates would seek a quicker-moving college player unless they were able to secure their preferred high school selection. Burress could potentially be selected lower if he wasn't taken here.

6. Kansas City Royals - Jared Grindlinger, RF/LHP, Huntington Beach HS (Calif.) (Rank: 11)
A surprise pick was not out of the question, with consideration for Grindlinger alongside other options like Flora.

7. Baltimore Orioles - Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara (Rank: 4)
Both Lombard and Flora were unexpected options at this point, and each could be suitable for the Orioles.