Rays select Vahn Lackey second overall in MLB mock draft

The 2026 MLB Draft is set to begin on July 11, with the Tampa Bay Rays projected to select catcher Vahn Lackey from Georgia Tech with the second overall pick. This comes after the Chicago White Sox, who won the lottery, are expected to take shortstop Roch Cholowsky of UCLA first overall. The Minnesota Twins are anticipated to select Grady Emerson, another shortstop, at third overall. The San Francisco Giants are likely to grab Jacob Lombard at No. 4, while the Pittsburgh Pirates may opt for Tyler Bell, despite his injury concerns, at No. 5. This year's draft features strong high school and college prospects dominating the top picks.

• 6:25 PMCBS MLB — 2026 MLB Mock Draft: Rays take star college catcher at No. 2 as three shortstops go in top four