Rays target top catcher Vahn Lackey in upcoming MLB draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 9:33 PM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays have secured the No. 2 pick in the MLB draft and are linked to catcher Vahn Lackey from Georgia Tech. Lackey has impressed this season with a.397 batting average, 20 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. The Rays have a pressing need for a franchise catcher, as current options Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia have not established themselves. The decision on whom the Rays will draft hinges on the Chicago White Sox's choice at the top pick, with mock drafts suggesting Lackey would be a solid selection for Tampa Bay.
- •Rays hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming MLB draft.
- •Vahn Lackey has a.397 average, 20 home runs this season.
- •Tampa Bay seeks to fill a long-standing gap at catcher.
- •Current catchers have not secured a permanent position.
- •The White Sox's first pick will influence the draft outcome.
- 9:33 PMYahoo Sports — Rays linked to .400-hitting catcher who steals bases in latest mock
"The top catcher in the class could land with the Rays at No. 2.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- MLB•Oct 20, 2026, 1:37 AMPadres top trade target is $20 million ace from AL East
MLB•Oct 20, 2026, 1:09 AMYankees make big Aaron Boone decision
MLB•Oct 20, 2026, 12:23 AMWhy bringing back Aaron Boone for 2027 season is a mistake for the Yankees- MLB•Oct 20, 2026, 12:23 AMHow Mets could pair Tarik Skubal with another All-Star pitcher
MLB•Oct 20, 2026, 12:22 AMRasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians in Game 5 to take 3-2 ALCS lead
BaseballMLB•Oct 20, 2026, 12:16 AMCross country: Columbus North sweeps XC titles at Brown County
