The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft won't quite be the high school showcase the 2025 draft proved to be but it should still provide about a dozen prep players in the first round, including a pair of shortstops at the top of the board.
A total of 19 high school players were taken among the top 39 picks in 2025. That total includes 13 shortstops headlined by
Eli Willits of
Fort Cobb-Broxton (Fort Cobb, Okla.), who was the No. 1 pick. Eight shortstops were taken between picks No. 8 and 22.
Those numbers are unlikely to be replicated in 2026 although high school shortstops are expected to figure prominently at the top of the draft.
MaxPreps takes a look at the top 10 high school players expected to be selected in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, which will be held prior to All-Star weekend on July 11-14. The choices are based on mock drafts, recruiting service rankings and scouting analysis.
Jacob Lombard in action at the Perfect Game All-American Classic last summer. (PHOTO: Steven Silva)
1. Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian (North Richland Hills, Texas)
Ranked No. 1 in the Class of 2026 since his freshman year, Emerson doesn't have one, true dynamic skill – but he doesn't really have any weaknesses either. He is not a flashy fielder but makes all the plays. He is not a power hitter but took second place at the MLB Home Run Derby last July. With UCLA shortstop Rob Cholowsky the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 overall, Emerson is the next best shortstop in the draft. Of the 11 high school players drafted No. 1 overall in the 21st century, seven have been shortstops (including the last three). So it wouldn't be a total shock to see Emerson go with the top pick.
2. Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fla.)
In any other year, Lombard might be the No. 1 overall prospect in the draft and certainly the No. 1 shortstop. However the 2026 draft figures to be top-heavy at the position with potentially four shortstops going in the first four picks. Lombard is No. 4 on that list behind Emerson, Cholowsky and Alabama's Justin Lebron. Lombard has genes working for him. His father George played in the Major Leagues and his brother George Jr. was the last Gulliver Prep player drafted in the first round. Jacob stands out as a power hitter with speed. While his arm doesn't match that of Emerson he has plenty of athletic ability.
3. Carson Bolemon, LHP, Southside Christian (Simpsonville, S.C.)
A small school sensation, Bolemon could be the top pitcher selected in the draft, college or prep. He had three no-hitters as a junior and did not allow an earned run for the season. He reaches 96 miles per hour on his fast ball and has an effective curve and slider to add to his repertoire. Expect Bolemon to not last past the sixth pick of the first round.
4. Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.)
While Rojas might rank below some of the other pitchers in the Class of 2026 among the recruiting services, he is a gamer who rises to the challenge. He led Stoneman Douglas to a state championship last year and also pitched for Team USA 18U in its gold medal run. His fastball gets up to 98 mph and he has a slider that is a plus pitch as well. Probably won't last past the 10th pick of the first round.
5. Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
The third prep shortstop expected to go in the first round, Spangler is a notch below Emerson and Lombard. He is a big player at 6-foot-3 but still manages to field smoothly. Spangler actually had more home runs (10) than either Lombard or Emerson last year but he ranks just below them as a power hitter in the eyes of the scouts. Could end up at third base eventually. Likely goes among the top 15 picks.
6. Logan Schmidt, LHP, Ganesha (Pomona, Calif.)
A strong summer showing has Schmidt rising up the draft boards. Reclassified from the Class of 2027, Schmidt will only be 17 at draft time in July yet he has already shown polish with three different pitches. Can get up to 97 on his fastball, which is a reason for his move into first round potential. Expect Schmidt to go in the middle of the first round.
7. Coleman Borthwick, 3B/RHP, South Walton (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.)
As a junior Borthwick received All-American consideration for his play at third base for South Walton. However, over the summer he developed as a legitimate right-handed pitching prospect. He shined brightest at the World Cup where he earned MVP honors for gold-medal winning Team USA. While his pitch selection is still developing, he has shown the ability to throw up to 98 mph. A player with plenty of potential, Borthwick likely goes somewhere around pick No. 25.
8. Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove (Hattiesburg, Miss.)
One of the fastest players in the draft, Booth is likely the first non-shortstop/pitcher to be drafted from the prep ranks. While he still has skills that need refinement, his speed will carry him a long way. He also has shown some power after winning the Perfect Game All-American Classic home run derby last summer. Likely goes near the end of the first round.
9. Jensen Hirschkorn, RHP, Kingsburg (Calif.)
Another pitcher who could turn a strong summer showing into a first round draft selection. Hirschkorn is 6-7 and uses an athletic frame to get up to 96 mph on the fastball, which is his best pitch. High projection for his ability to throw even harder makes him first round material. Probably goes end of first round or early second.
10. Will Brick, C, Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.)
Since 2000, only 24 high school catchers have been selected among the first 32 picks of the first round. By comparison, 13 shortstops were taken in the 2025 draft alone. So when draft experts deem a prep catcher as a possible first-round pick, you take notice. The fact that he has reclassified from the Class of 2027 makes Brick an even more intriguing prospect. He has the best arm out of all 2026 prospects, college or pro, and he rarely has a miscue behind the plate. Not as strong at the plate, but is able to make contact on a consistent level. Likely goes at end of first round.
