MLB Unveils 25 First-Round Picks as 5 Taxed Teams Drop 10 Slots
Updated
Updated · MLB Trade Rumors · Jul 11
MLB Unveils 25 First-Round Picks as 5 Taxed Teams Drop 10 Slots
3 articles · Updated · MLB Trade Rumors · Jul 11
Summary
25 first-round selections were announced as the 2026 MLB Draft moved through Day 1, with the White Sox taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky at No. 1 overall.
5 clubs lost standard first-round positioning because the Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays and Dodgers all exceeded the $281 million third luxury-tax tier in 2025.
Those penalties pushed the Mets' first pick to No. 27, the Yankees to No. 35, the Phillies to No. 36, the Blue Jays to No. 39 and the Dodgers to No. 40.
135 picks are scheduled for Saturday across the first four rounds, two Competitive Balance rounds, four compensatory picks and Prospect Promotion Incentive selections for the Braves and Astros.
The draft runs two days, with rounds 5-20 set for Sunday; Pittsburgh also holds an extra second-rounder at No. 51 after failing to sign 2025 pick Angel Cervantes.