The 2026 MLB draft kicked off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, with the Chicago White Sox selecting first overall. Analysts debated whether the club will choose a shortstop—Roch Cholowsky of UCLA or Grady Emerson from Texas prep—or opt for Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey.

The top five picks saw the Tampa Bay Rays take the second spot, followed by the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Several teams, including the New York Mets, Blue Jays, Yankees, Phillies, and Dodgers, faced a 10‑pick penalty for exceeding MLB’s competitive‑balance tax threshold.

Competitive‑balance rounds added depth: Drake Baldwin was selected by the Braves for an NL ROY win, while the Astros secured Hunter Brown after a top‑three Cy Young finish. Compensation picks benefited teams that lost players, such as the Chicago Cubs for Kyle Tucker.

These selections reshape rosters and project talent pipelines for the 2027 season. The White Sox’s choice will dictate early‑season strategy, while the penalties and supplemental rounds ensure parity across the league.