Kiley Mc Daniel launches a 2026 MLB mock draft that flips traditional first‑round logic for 30 teams today. He pairs industry insight with draft history to recommend who each squad should select on July 11. The approach favors college players for lower‑payroll contenders, using past development success as a tiebreaker.

For Chicago, Mc Daniel hands the White Sox a clear target: Roch Cholowsky, shortstop from UCLA. His timetable, high floor and premium position outweigh rivals Grady Emerson and Vahn Lackey, making him the optimal pick for a contender with a modest payroll.

Tampa Bay follows suit, opting for Grady Emerson of Fort Worth Christian HS. The Rays’ deep farm system and focus on upside make Emerson’s high‑school polish a better fit than the college‑age Lackey, who would slide to third if he stayed.

The mock also spotlights the Twins’ pick of Vahn Lackey and Giants’ decision between Jackson Flora and upside options. Mc Daniel’s framework signals that teams with competitive windows will lean toward players who can contribute sooner, while those with higher payrolls chase long‑term upside ahead in the coming season.