Mock Draft 3.0: The Final Week

We are less than a week away from the MLB Draft in Philadelphia, and we would be remiss not to post an updated mock draft for the masses.

Tyler, Peyton, Conor, Jay, and Adrian got together and hashed out the latest projection as we prepare to close the book on this cycle. With all the smoke rolling around, they did their best to hone in on what’s real and what’s not. Of course, things will change immensely this week, and our final mock draft will be published on Saturday morning. Chaos will ensue, and we love chaos.

The Just Baseball crew will be on site in Philadelphia, and there will be a live stream on Saturday for the draft. Make sure to give everyone a follow and keep up to date with the antics presented below!

1. Chicago White Sox – Roch Cholowsky, SS | UCLA

Slot Value: $11,350,600

There may not be any clarity on this pick until the final hours, and Grady Emerson has made this much more of a debate than it looked earlier in the spring. There’s not really a wrong answer here among the top three. Emerson is the bigger player development swing, while Vahn Lackey could offer Chicago a more flexible bonus path. I do believe they’ll go with a shortstop over a catcher here. In the end, this should come down to who the White Sox believe is the best player in the class. For me, that is still Cholowsky. Chicago knows him well from his high school draft cycle, and his UCLA track record points to a shortstop with enough offensive impact to match the defensive floor. This should not be a need-based decision, but Cholowsky also fits where the organization is trying to go. If everything clicks, he adds another power-hitting infielder to the core. If the bat settles closer to the median outcome, the glove still gives him a high-probability path to value. – Adrian White

2. Tampa Bay Rays – Grady Emerson, SS | Fort Worth Christian (TX)

Slot Value: $10,507,000

Rumors of a huge underslot deal with Tyler Bell here were rampant during last month’s Combine, but I have a hard time believing the Rays would pass on Emerson in this scenario. It’s a profile they like and have success in developing as an organization. Lackey is also firmly in play, but I still lean toward Emerson at this stage. –Conor Dorney

3. Minnesota Twins – Vahn Lackey, C | Georgia Tech

Slot Value: $9,740,100

Simply put, it’s a strong understanding that the Twins will take whoever is available, whether it’s Roch, Grady, or Vahn, and walk away pleased. Arguably one of the best all-around players in college baseball this recent season, Lackey hit nearly .400 with 40 extra-base hits, coupled with plus grades defensively. To reiterate, we believe this selection is whoever of the top three is still available on the board. – Peyton Sower

4. San Francisco Giants – Jacob Lombard, SS | Gulliver Schools (FL)

Slot Value: $8,988,400

The Giants are linked to a few bats, and Lombard feels the most convincing at this moment. Even with the question marks surrounding the hit tool, the upside of the loud tools is immense. That said, this is a perfect spot for Booth to be taken, and Flora makes sense considering the lack of pitching depth in their farm system. There are scenarios that played out that would result in one of the top three falling into their laps, and they would be giddy if that were the case. – Tyler Jennings

5. Pittsburgh Pirates – Jackson Flora, RHP | UC Santa Barbara

Slot Value: $8,336,500

Heading into the 2026 MLB Draft, the Pirates will undoubtedly be looking to add quick-moving bats to their system in order to supplement the electric pitching staff they’ve built in recent seasons. However, with how this year’s class has begun to take shape, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be just on the outside of landing a hitter that matches this profile with their first pick. As a result, they’ll likely default to Jackson Flora, who would arguably be the last remaining “blue-chip” level prospect in this class, making this a case where they’d take the best player on the board. With Flora undoubtedly being regarded as the top arm in this year’s class, the Pirates would yet again find themselves in a prime position to develop yet another front-end arm. If they do decide to take a bat anyway, EJ Booth, AJ Gracia, and Drew Burress could be nice fits. – Jay Staph

6. Kansas City Royals – Drew Burress, OF | Georgia Tech

Slot Value: $7,746,100

This year, the Kansas City Royals almost find themselves just barely on the outside looking in regarding the best talents in the class with the sixth overall pick. While they could get lucky and have one of the first five players in our mock fall to them at this spot, it’ll likely be Drew Burress that makes the most sense. Here, the Royals will be able to land another incredibly talented bat and someone they could theoretically push through the minor leagues fairly quickly, creating a best-case-scenario fit better than they could’ve hoped for with this pick. If the Pirates decide to pass on Jackson Flora, this will likely be his floor, and multiple other college bats could fit here as well. – Jay Staph

7. Baltimore Orioles – Eric “EJ” Booth, OF | Oak Grove (MS)

Slot Value: $7,327,200

Baltimore has several college bats that would make sense in this range, but Booth is one of the best upside swings still on the board. The Mississippi prep outfielder pairs left-handed bat speed with rare athletic markers for an 18-year-old, and there is enough contact ability here to dream beyond a raw tools profile. His swing will need refinement, and his long-term defensive home may depend on how the body develops. That risk is part of the package with most high school bats in this range. Booth still belongs comfortably in the top 10 because the best version is a dynamic outfielder with star-level offensive upside. – Adrian White

8. Athletics – Ryder Helfrick, C | Arkansas

Slot Value: $6,982,600

The closer we get to July 11, the more convinced we become that the Athletics will select a player from the college crop. Though I personally believe teams shouldn’t draft based on need, the Athletics have one catcher ranked in their top 30 prospects. Helfrick has made clear offensive progressions year after year with Arkansas while being one of the best defensive catchers across the landscape in 2026. Other candidates with this pick include college outfielders Derek Curiel and Sawyer Strosnider. – Peyton Sower

9. Atlanta Braves – Cade Townsend, RHP | Mississippi

Slot Value: $6,675,300

Perhaps our first surprise in this mock begins here, with Townsend slotted to Atlanta in the top 10. A buttery arsenal with compelling underlying data, there’s a world where the Braves don’t mess around and get their guy for an underslot deal, not risking teams snagging him before their next pick at 26. Even while not throwing much late in the year, he’s one of the more complete arm profiles in the class. Other candidates with this pick include preps Gio Rojas and Jared Grindlinger. – Peyton Sower

10. Colorado Rockies – Jared Grindlinger, OF/LHP | Huntington Beach (CA)

Slot Value – $6,393,100

The Rockies are not remotely close to competing, but adding a two-way talent like Grindlinger would be a palate cleanser in the new front office’s first draft. Model-heavy teams will likely have Grindlinger high on their boards due to his age and two-way potential. Colorado could be enticed by two potential paths for the California prep to create value at the big league level, though the idea of him focusing purely as a bat will certainly play well at Coors Field. – Conor Dorney

11. Washington Nationals – A.J. Gracia, OF | Virginia

Slot Value – $6,133,500

Since 2020, the Washington Nationals have drafted a collegiate outfielder with their first pick in the draft two times, and they’re in a prime position to add a third to this list with Virginia outfielder A.J. Gracia. Possessing one of the smoothest swings in the class, impressive raw tools, and a frame built to slug at the next level, Gracia is a very exciting grab here with the 11th overall pick. Gracia was originally expected to be a slam-dunk pick inside the top five selections on Draft Day, but with multiple other prospects rising, he’s fallen to this spot on the board. If the Nationals decide to take a different route, Gio Rojas or Chris Hacopian could fit nicely here. – Jay Staph

12. Los Angeles Angels – Chris Hacopian, 2B | Texas A&M

Slot Value – $5,889,300

Two mocks ago, we projected Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian to be a slam-dunk top-five selection in the class. Now, with our third mock in the cycle, he’s slipped to the Angels with the 12th pick in the draft due to injury concerns and the fact that he lacks a true home in the infield. Nonetheless, he possesses one of the best power/contact blends in the entire class, and he not only carries Top 100 upside, but he also carries the potential to be a quick riser, which is something the Angels have routinely loved. Knowing this, Hacopian makes a ton of sense, as he’s someone the Angels can test early in his professional career as long as his physical well-being cooperates. – Jay Staph

13. St. Louis Cardinals – Gio Rojas, LHP | Stoneman Douglas (FL)

Slot Value – $5,661,300

While the Cardinals have not drafted a prep player since Jordan Walker in 2020, most of their primary targets are off the board at this stage. Gracia, Helfrick, and Hacopian have been rumored here in recent weeks. While prep pitching is volatile, there is a solid crop this year, especially with southpaws, and Rojas is the top option there. However, I’m not ruling out a bat, prep or college at this spot. – Tyler Jennings

14. Miami Marlins – Ace Reese, 1B/3B | Mississippi State

Slot Value – $5,444,900

Reese makes sense for Miami as one of the best college bats still available. The defensive home is not completely settled, but the left-handed power plays in this part of the round. He produced in the SEC, with enough contact ability to avoid the power-only label. Miami could let him continue proving himself at third base, though first base may be the cleaner long-term fit. Either way, the Marlins are betting on a bat with a chance to anchor the middle of a lineup. – Adrian White

15. Arizona Diamondbacks – Trevor Condon, OF | Etowah (GA)

Slot Value – $5,241,000

Condon gives Arizona a prep outfielder with a chance to stay in center field. His swing is unconventional, but the quick hands and barrel feel have allowed him to make it work against quality amateur pitching. The offensive value is more contact-driven right now, with enough strength projection to see more damage coming later. His speed also changes the way pitchers and infielders have to defend him. With another pick coming at No. 31, Arizona can take a shot on a top high school athlete here. – Adrian White

16. Texas Rangers – Sawyer Strosnider, OF | Texas Christian

Slot Value – $5,051,900

Strosnider brings some of the loudest left-handed damage in the class, and his freshman season at TCU showed what the profile can look like when he is locked in. The approach can get aggressive, but he does serious damage when he gets pitches in the zone. Pro clubs should at least give him a chance in center field before settling on a corner. If the swing decisions tighten in pro ball, Texas could land an everyday outfielder with middle-of-the-order upside. – Adrian White

17. Houston Astros – Justin Lebron, SS | Alabama

Slot Value – $4,868,600

Justin Lebron’s tools are as loud as any college bat in the class, but come with volatility. If enough teams lack confidence in Lebron’s hit tool, he could go 10-15 spots later than this pick. The Astros seem to like LeBron quite a bit and may find him too valuable to risk letting him slip past their next selection at pick 28. – Conor Dorney

18. Cincinnati Reds – Mason Edwards, LHP | Southern California

Slot Value – $4,695,500

A surging name as of late, Cincinnati here lands another elite performer within the college group in Mason Edwards. From Andrew Abbott to Rhett Lowder to Chase Burns, Edwards could possibly join this group and get fast-tracked to Cincinnati to join its rotation headlined by Hunter Greene. Other candidates with this pick include right-handers Tegan Kuhns and Cameron Flukey. – Peyton Sower

19. Cleveland Guardians – Derek Curiel, OF | Louisiana State

Slot Value – $4,530,500

The Guardians could take a number of players in this spot, but the idea of Curiel in Cleveland is thrilling. He checks a lot of boxes as to what they like to go after: above-average bat-to-ball skills that can cover a ton of ground defensively. Derek should move through the Minor League ranks fairly swiftly, forming a fun offensive core with Travis Bazzana, Ralphy Velazquez, and Chase DeLauter. Other candidates with this pick include right-hander Tegan Kuhns and outfielder Zion Rose. – Peyton Sower

20. Boston Red Sox – Hunter Dietz, LHP | Arkansas

Slot Value – $4,373,900

Dietz is a worthwhile upside play for Boston. The college track record is light after injuries limited him at Arkansas, but his fall look put him back into first-round consideration. The fastball has reached 99 mph with carry from the left side, and his size creates a tough angle when he is working at the top of the zone. Dietz also has enough feel for a cutter and breaking ball to project beyond a pure velocity profile. There is obvious risk here, but college lefties with this kind of arm talent rarely last long once teams feel comfortable with their health. – Adrian White

21. San Diego Padres – Tyler Bell, SS | Kentucky

Slot Value – $4,224,700

If you’ve read our past Padres blurbs, this is where we ask for proof of life from Conor. San Diego passes on a prep arm and lands Bell, a switch-hitting shortstop with one of the better offensive profiles left on the board. Bell has a chance to go much higher than this, though the shoulder injury adds some uncertainty. His time at Kentucky showed why he was such a difficult player to get to campus out of high school, with impact from both sides of the plate and enough defensive ability to keep getting chances at shortstop. For a Padres system that could use more stable position-player value, this is a strong Day 1 fit even if it breaks from their usual type. – Adrian White

22. Detroit Tigers – Bo Lowrance, SS | Christ Church Episcopal (SC)

Slot Value – $4,082,700

In recent memory, the Detroit Tigers have not been shy to draft prep prospects early in the class, and it’s a strategy that’s worked quite well for them. Their last four first-round prospects have all been high schoolers, and this trend could continue in 2026 with third baseman Bo Lowrance. A Virginia commit, Lowrance has been praised for his barrel control, clean mechanics, and his frame, which makes him a very exciting player to take a chance on at pick No. 22 overall. There’s a ton to dream on offensively, and with the Tigers’ recent track record with similar prospects like Bryce Rainer, this looks to be a fantastic pairing. – Jay Staph

23. Chicago Cubs – Logan Hughes, OF | Texas Tech

Slot Value – $3,947,600

The Cubs like to go for offensive ceiling with their recent draftees, and Hughes fits that mold to a T. Despite being limited to left field, Hughes has an extremely potent bat, and he’ll hit for average and power at the next level. It wouldn’t shock us if they go after a prep hitter that falls to them, either. – Tyler Jennings

24. Seattle Mariners – Tegan Kuhns, RHP | Tennessee

Slot Value – $3,818,700

If there’s one thing the Seattle Mariners have become known for over the last half-decade, it’s been the ability to churn out elite, front-end arms like there’s no tomorrow. From six All-Star-level starters currently on the big league roster to prospects such as Ryan Sloan and Kade Anderson in their system, this organization has become a pitching powerhouse. Given this, there’s a strong chance that Seattle continues to target high-upside arms, this time coming in the form of Tennessee right-hander Tegan Kuhns. With an electric fastball leading his arsenal and intriguing secondaries to match, there’s a lot of potential to squeeze out of his profile if he lands in a system that excels at developing arms, making this a match made in heaven at pick No. 24 overall. – Jay Staph

25. Milwaukee Brewers – Cole Prosek, 3B/C | Magnolia Heights (MS)

Slot Value – $3,696,000

When it comes to the best farm system in baseball, very few organizations can compete with the Milwaukee Brewers. With an electric development staff that routinely produces Top 100 prospects in their sleep, they’ve become the gold standard of player development. With most of these successes being prep prospects or younger international signees, it should come as no surprise that the Brewers are going to take a shot with one of the more intriguing preps on the board in catcher Cole Prosek. Boasting a hit-over-power profile, a solid defensive game, and a frame that could produce more juice in the future, he’d be a scary pairing for the Brewers here at 25th overall. – Jay Staph

26. Atlanta Braves – Carson Bolemon, LHP | Southside Christian (SC)

Slot Value – $3,578,800

With the largest bonus pool in franchise history, Atlanta has a lot of freedom to get creative in their decision-making. Bolemon would join Briggs McKenzie and Cam Caminiti as left-handers that the Braves get their hands on early and into their system. Holding a four-pitch arsenal with two legit breaking balls and a fastball up to 96 mph, there’s a ton of good clay here. Other candidates with this pick include prep arms Coleman Borthwick and Logan Schmidt. – Peyton Sower

27. New York Mets – Daniel Jackson, C/OF | Georgia

Slot Value – $3,466,500

The Mets love targeting up-the-middle prospects, and to an extent, Jackson is that. While there are differing opinions on whether he’s a true backstop, his offensive talent is undeniable. The 2026 Golden Spikes Winner achieved a 25/25 season for the Bulldogs and helped them make their first Omaha appearance since 2008. He may end up in right field, but either way, he has run in the latter half of the first round. – Tyler Jennings

28. Houston Astros – Cole Carlon, LHP | Arizona State

Slot Value – $3,363,600

The trio of college left-handers in this class could come off the board in any order, and I wouldn’t be surprised, but Arizona State southpaw Cole Carlon would be excellent value for Houston at this spot. Carlon was up to 101 mph this spring and creates tons of deception with a steep release height and a gyro slider that produced huge whiff rates. His transition from bullpen arm to dominant Friday night starter for the Devils is a testament to his competitive nature on the mound. – Conor Dorney

29. San Francisco Giants – Cameron Flukey, RHP | Coastal Carolina

Slot Value – $3,270,200

Originally discussed as one of the top arms in the class, Coastal Carolina RHP Cam Flukey has gone through a tough 2026 season that’s caused him to slip considerably on draft boards across the industry. After rebounding from a rib injury that held him off the field for the majority of the 2026 NCAA season, he’s now in a prime position to be one of the best-value picks in the entire class. With the Giants seemingly looking to throw around money early in the class, they make a ton of sense to select Flukey here after leading off their draft with Jacob Lombard. It should be considered that the Giants desperately need to add arms to their organization as well, and with Flukey having front-end upside, he’s the perfect candidate to match this need. – Jay Staph

30. Kansas City Royals – Zion Rose, OF | Louisville

Slot Value – $3,190,500

Rose will have plenty of suitors at this range on Day 1 and represents one of the highest floors of any bat in the class. The former Louisville star is an outstanding athlete who earns plus grades on the hit and run tools. He could be one of the fastest-moving prospects from this draft, and pairing him with Burress in Kansas City could give the Royals two lineup regulars by the end of the 2028 season. – Conor Dorney

31. Arizona Diamondbacks – Eric Becker, SS | Virginia

Slot Value – $3,118,300

We’re going back to dynamic middle-infield profiles with Arizona’s second selection, and Eric Becker fits the bill here. A three-year performer with Virginia, he holds quality swing decisions while consistently making hard contact. Ability to play either middle infield position as well as third, though likely will move off the “six” full-time once arriving at the pro level. Other candidates with this pick include infielders Archer Horn and Taj Marchand. – Peyton Sower

32. St. Louis Cardinals – Chase Brunson, OF | Texas Christian

Slot Value – $3,044,600

The idea of selecting Rojas at 13 allows the Cardinals to save some money on this pick while still selecting a premium talent. Brunson is an underrated player in that regard, someone who could stick in centerfield with quality hit and power grades to accompany his position. Chase Davis and JJ Wetherholt were high on-base threats, and Brunson fits that mold as well. – Tyler Jennings

33. Tampa Bay Rays – Taj Marchand, SS | James Island Charter (SC)

Slot Value – $2,970,200

They say stick to what you know, and the Rays know prep up-the-middle talent. After tabbing Grady Emerson in the top five, here the club opts for a prep shortstop with tons of helium this spring, Taj Marchand. The Ole Miss commit stands out for his contact ability and projectable frame, plus he should have the ability to stick at shortstop. – Conor Dorney

34. Pittsburgh Pirates – Rocco Maniscalco, SS | Oxford (AL)

Slot Value – $2,897,400

As noted in our earlier mocks, the Pittsburgh Pirates have not selected an arm with their second pick in the draft even once in the Ben Cherington era, but this trend could be disrupted in 2026, especially if the Pirates hypothetically take Jackson Flora in this scenario. They’ll alter this trend by landing Rocco Maniscalco, a prep shortstop who has flown up draft boards around the game following an impressive showing at the MLB Draft Combine. With Maniscalco’s electric tools and the Pirates’ success with prep infielders such as Konnor Griffin and Wyatt Sanford in recent memory, Maniscalco could be the next success by the Pirates in this area. – Jay Staph

35. New York Yankees – Brody Bumila, LHP | Bishop Feehan (MA)

Slot Value – $2,826,700

Bumila has been one of the buzziest names on the scouting circuit this spring, a gargantuan (6-foot-9) southpaw up to 100 mph in the Northeast. The Yankees have churned out a number of impressive pitching development wins in recent years and would have the ultimate ball of clay to work with in Bumila’s 80-grade heater and developing secondaries. – Conor Dorney

36. Philadelphia Phillies – Liam Peterson, RHP | Florida

Slot Value – $2,758,800

Peterson has a super wide range, in our honest opinion. There’s a solid chance he goes much higher than this, but most people are split on his future outcome. The stuff is legit, but his command never turned the corner as we expected. If the Phillies had Peterson fall into their lap, they would be extremely happy. – Tyler Jennings

37. Colorado Rockies – Archer Horn, SS/OF | St. Ignatius Prep (CA)

Slot Value – $2,696,700

The Rockies system will look much different following Day 1 of this draft, and after tabbing Grindlinger in the top 10, they go back to the California prep well in shortstop Archer Horn. Horn, a Stanford commit, has continued to rise up boards as a two-way talent, though the bat has slowly outshone his ability on the mound. The California native displays good strength and athletic movement both in the box and in the dirt, with a body that may project to third base long-term. – Conor Dorney

38. Colorado Rockies – Caden Sorrell, OF | Texas A&M

Slot Value – $2,633,100

After selecting Jared Grindlinger and Archer Horn, a pair of prep prospects with some of the highest potential in the class with their first two picks, the Rockies will likely be looking to save a little bit of money with the 38th overall pick. What better way to do so than by taking Caden Sorrell, an outfielder who matches a lot of the traits that the Rockies have historically valued? With exciting, easy power, solid athleticism, and good range in the outfield, Sorrell screams the Rockies’ name with this pick, and he could be a match made in heaven here. – Jay Staph

39. Toronto Blue Jays – Jack Radel, RHP | Notre Dame

Slot Value – $2,571,500

Radel works for Toronto as a college starter candidate whose profile has taken a step forward. Almost like a Trey Yesavage-type pick. His extension down the mound helps the fastball play above its raw velocity, especially now that he is reaching the mid-90s more consistently. The pitch is not a pure bat-misser, but hitters chase it when he works at the top of the zone and shows cut. His cutter has become a useful bridge to the breaking ball, and the changeup gives him another way to handle left-handed hitters. Radel may not be the flashiest arm in this range, but the delivery and strike-throwing give him a solid rotation foundation. – Adrian White

40. Los Angeles Dodgers – Joey Volchko, RHP | Georgia

Slot Value – $2,504,200

Volchko made a ton of money for himself in Omaha with his 15-strikeout performance against Texas, and the thought of him getting into LA’s system would be appealing. Arguably having the best slider in the class, he throws everything hard with unique traits that often miss bats; some of the characteristics reflect what the Dodgers carry in their big league rotation. Other candidates with this pick include prep hitters Blake Bowen and Will Brick. – Peyton Sower