Tampa Bay Rays Prepare to Draft Top Prep Player with Pick No. 2

The Tampa Bay Rays, currently 1st in the American League with a 52-33 record on a W9 streak, are preparing for the 2026 MLB Draft with the No. 2 overall pick.

What's at stake for the Rays?

The Rays' draft plans largely depend on what the Chicago White Sox do with the first overall pick.

They won their last game 1-3 @ Houston Astros on 2026-07-04.

Who are the top prospects?

The top three prospects consist of Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, and Vahn Lackey.

Jonathan Mayo, an analyst from MLB.com, believes the White Sox will take Cholowsky, leaving Emerson to the Rays.

What makes Emerson a great pick?

Emerson plays the premium shortstop position, which scouts don't believe he will have a problem with at the big-league level.

He has a great left-handed swing with impressive bat speed and exit velocities.

The Rays could fast-track him through the minors.

And with their current standing, they might be looking to strengthen their roster for the long haul.

But the draft is full of surprises, and the Rays will have to wait and see what the White Sox decide to do.

So the Rays will be watching the White Sox's move closely, ready to make their pick.