White Sox Win Draft Lottery, Eye Top Talent in 2026 MLB Draft
For the first time since 1977, the Chicago White Sox hold the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft. That news broke Tuesday night during the Winter Meetings, and it sent a jolt of excitement through a fanbase that’s been starved for momentum. With the top pick in hand and a deep 2026 draft class on deck, the Sox are in prime position to add a franchise-altering piece to their rebuild.
Naturally, the early buzz has centered around UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky - the consensus top prospect and a player many scouts believe could be the best college bat to come through the pipeline in years. But with seven months and an entire college season still to play, Cholowsky isn’t a lock just yet. The White Sox front office will be doing its homework, and there are several other names worth knowing as the draft picture takes shape.
Let’s break down a few of the top prospects who could be in play for Chicago come July.
Grady Emerson, SS - Fort Worth Christian High School (TX)
If this were most other years, Grady Emerson might already be penciled in as the No. 1 pick. At just 17, Emerson already shows five above-average tools, according to MLB Pipeline, and he’s got the kind of polish at the plate that’s rare for a high schooler.
He’s selective, doesn’t chase much, and when he gets a pitch to hit, he doesn’t miss. His performance in last year’s High School Home Run Derby turned heads, and comparisons to Royals standout Bobby Witt Jr. aren’t being thrown around lightly.
The upside here is massive. Emerson’s bat speed, defensive instincts, and raw power all check the boxes for a future star.
The only real knock? He’s still a few years away from contributing at the big-league level - and the White Sox just drafted another high-upside prep shortstop in Billy Carlson last year.
If the front office is looking for a quicker path to the majors, they might lean toward a college bat. But if they’re thinking long-term, Emerson could be the most tantalizing prospect on the board.
Justin Lebron, SS - Alabama
A year ago, Justin Lebron was the name to know. He was the early favorite to go first overall before Roch Cholowsky’s breakout campaign vaulted the UCLA shortstop to the top of most boards. But make no mistake - Lebron is still very much in the conversation.
He brings a rare combination of power and defensive ability at shortstop, with the athleticism and arm strength to handle multiple positions if needed. His glove is big-league ready, and when he connects at the plate, the ball jumps.
The question for Lebron is whether he can refine his plate discipline. He’s been prone to chasing and has a relatively high whiff rate, but the tools are all there.
If a team believes it can help him tighten up his approach, they could unlock a legitimate five-tool player.
At 21, Lebron is also more advanced than the prep prospects, which could appeal to a White Sox organization looking to accelerate its timeline. A strong junior season at Alabama - especially one that shows improved strike-zone awareness - could put Lebron right back in the mix for the top pick.
Jacob Lombard, SS - Gulliver Preparatory School (FL)
Jacob Lombard comes from baseball bloodlines. His father, George Lombard, played in the majors and is now the Tigers’ bench coach.
His brother, George Jr., was a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2023. But Jacob might end up being the best of the bunch.
At 6-foot-3, Lombard is on the bigger side for a shortstop, but he moves well and has shown solid range and an average arm. He’s a plus runner for his size and has flashed serious power from the right side.
What stands out most is his steady physical development - he’s getting stronger, faster, and more refined with each passing season. Scouts love his trajectory and believe he has the tools to become a strong two-way contributor in the majors.
Lombard still has another high school season to build his case, but he’s already firmly in the conversation as a top-tier talent in this class.
What This Means for the White Sox
Winning the draft lottery couldn’t have come at a better time for the White Sox. After a stretch of underwhelming seasons and stalled development from key prospects, this is a chance to reset the foundation. The 2026 draft class is loaded, and holding the No. 1 pick gives Chicago the opportunity to land a cornerstone player - someone who can be a face of the franchise for years to come.
And it’s not just about the first pick. With the largest bonus pool at their disposal, the White Sox will also have the flexibility to go over slot later in the draft, potentially snagging high-upside talent that slips due to signability concerns. It’s the kind of draft capital that can reshape an organization’s trajectory.
For now, the scouting department will be busy - watching, evaluating, projecting. Cholowsky might be the favorite today, but this class is deep, and the White Sox have options.
What’s clear is that, for the first time in a while, there’s real optimism on the South Side. The rebuild has a new centerpiece on the horizon.