The Chicago White Sox are entering the final days before the 2026 MLB Draft with a three-player shortlist for the No. 1 overall pick. According to MLB Pipeline, the organization is weighing the high-ceiling potential of high school shortstop Grady Emerson against the collegiate track record of UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky and the offensive production of Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey.
Who are the top contenders for the No. 1 overall pick?
Internal discussions within the White Sox organization have narrowed the field to a primary tier of two candidates, with a third serving as a contingency option. MLB Pipeline’s current Draft Top 250 rankings list Grady Emerson, Roch Cholowsky, and Vahn Lackey as the top three prospects in the class.
How do the top prospects compare?
The decision facing the White Sox involves distinct profiles. According to analysis from the MLB Pipeline Podcast, the choice is effectively a two-man race between Emerson and Cholowsky.
| Prospect | Jim Callis (MLB Pipeline) | Jonathan Mayo (MLB Pipeline) |
|---|---|---|
| Grady Emerson | 51% | 50% |
| Roch Cholowsky | 47% | 50% |
| Vahn Lackey | 2% |
Grady Emerson, a shortstop from Fort Worth Christian High School, is viewed as the best pure hitter in the draft. Analysts note he possesses above-average tools across the board. Conversely, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky offers an advanced collegiate track record, having hit 44 home runs with a 1.100 OPS over his last two seasons with the Bruins.
Why is Vahn Lackey considered a contingency plan?
While Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey posted an impressive 1.291 OPS with 20 home runs this season, the industry consensus places him in a tier slightly below the two shortstops. According to MLB Pipeline, Lackey is viewed as a candidate who might sign for a discount compared to the slot value. In most years, even the top talent hasn’t signed for full slot, as seen with the Orioles on Adley Rutschman and the Pirates on Paul Skenes, though no one expects either Emerson or Cholowsky to pull in the full slot of over $11.3 million this time, either.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the 2026 MLB Draft start? The draft begins on Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
- Who holds the No. 1 overall pick? The Chicago White Sox hold the first selection.
- Is Vahn Lackey expected to be the first pick? No. According to MLB Pipeline, he is considered a contingency plan, with the industry favoring Emerson and Cholowsky.
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