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Deadspin | Ravens going Hollywood? Early favorites emerge to replace John Harbaugh

Deadspin | Ravens going Hollywood? Early favorites emerge to replace John Harbaugh

May 28, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens immediately leapt to the front of the pack for the most appealing job openings in the NFL after parting ways with John Harbaugh following 18 years on Tuesday.

The Ravens have a two-time NFL MVP in quarterback Lamar Jackson, veteran weapons at the skill positions and a defense that continues to reload with talent thanks to one of the most well-respected front offices in football.

Baltimore owner Steve Bisciotti didn’t take firing a Super Bowl-winning coach lightly, and he likely didn’t do so without having a strong short list of candidates in mind.

Several early front-runners immediately emerged, with a pair of Los Angeles-based defensive coordinators topping the list at one sportsbook.

The Rams’ Chris Shula is expected to draw interest from several teams this offseason, and was installed as the +300 favorite. That was just ahead of the Chargers’ Jesse Minter, who followed Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, from Michigan to the Chargers.

The Washington Commanders parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury on Monday, but the noted quarterback guru might curry favor with Jackson, who is coming off one of the most frustrating seasons of his eight-year career.

Kingsbury, who has previous head coaching experience with the Arizona Cardinals, is followed by another highly respected coordinator seeking a second opportunity to run an NFL team. Brian Flores has helped Minnesota feature one of the league’s most feared defenses following a three-year stint as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach and one on Mike Tomlin’s staff in Pittsburgh.

Flores’ +700 odds are the same as those for Kevin Stefanski. Despite being fired by the Cleveland Browns on Monday, Stefanski is expected to be a hot commodity in this year’s coaching cycle that reached seven vacancies with John Harbaugh’s firing.

RAVENS NEXT COACH ODDS*

Chris Shula (+300)

Jesse Minter (+350)

Kliff Kingsbury (+500)

Brian Flores (+700)

Kevin Stefanski (+700)

Klint Kubiak (+900)

Jim Schwartz (+1000)

Robert Saleh (+1200)

Mike McCarthy (+1200)

Mike LaFleur (+1600)

Steve Spagnuolo (+1800)

Anthony Weaver (+2000)

Matt Nagy (+2000)

Vance Joseph (+2000)

Jeff Hafley (+2500)

Joe Brady (+2500)

Anthony Campanile (+2500)

Vic Fangio (+2500)

Arthur Smith (+2500)

Kevin O’Connell (+3300)

Marcus Freeman (+3300)

Josh McDaniels (+3300)

Greg Roman (+4000)

David Shaw (+4000)

Jon Gruden (+5000)

Jason Garrett (+6600)

Deion Sanders (+6600)

Marvin Lewis (+6600)

Bill Belichick (+6600)

*an online sportsbook odds provided for entertaining purposes only.

Harbaugh’s dismissal came two days after the Ravens’ season ended on a missed field goal as time expired at Pittsburgh in the final game of the NFL regular season. The 63-year-old hits the open market with a Super Bowl victory and 180 career wins on his resume.

The Ravens reached the playoffs 12 times under Harbaugh while winning fewer than eight games only once, but they have not been back to the Super Bowl since the February 2013 game.

“Our goal has always been and will always be to win Championships,” Bisciotti said in a statement. “We strive to consistently perform at the highest level on the field and be a team and organization our fans take pride in.

“I will always be grateful for the extraordinary hard work and dedication displayed by John and his staff throughout the many successful years. …

“We fully understand the expectations of our fans and everyone in the Ravens organization. Finding another strong leader and partner who will reflect these high standards is paramount.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Ravens #Hollywood #Early #favorites #emerge #replace #John #Harbaugh

Deadspin | Mariners beat Rays, avoid winless stay in Florida  Jul 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) hits a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Weston Wilson and Randy Arozarena each went deep in Seattle’s four-run fourth inning Sunday afternoon, and the Mariners salvaged one win on their six-game Florida road trip by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 in St. Petersburg, Fla.  Having entered Sunday with 12 runs on the road swing, the Mariners tallied three times in the second before adding four more on the home runs to end their season-high-tying five-game losing streak.  J.P. Crawford went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs, a run and a walk. Josh Naylor reached base three times on a single, a walk and a hit-by-pitch.  Starter Emerson Hancock left in the second inning after suffering a hand injury in the first. He did not allow a hit over 1 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk.  Jose A. Ferrer (2-1) tossed 1 1/3 innings of one-hit ball while fanning two, including a key strikeout of All-Star slugger Junior Caminero.  The American League East-leading Rays retired former third baseman Evan Longoria’s No. 3 in a pregame ceremony. They only managed four hits as they were 4-3 on the homestand.  Jonathan Aranda homered to reach 64 RBIs, while Yandy Diaz was 2-for-4 with a run.  Ian Seymour (6-2) surrendered six runs (five earned) on six hits in 3 1/3 frames with three punchouts and three walks.   Owning an 0-5 record and 2-for-38 with runners in scoring position in Florida, the M’s crafted their best offensive frame of the series by sending three runs across early.  Victor Robles’ sacrifice fly plated Naylor, and Crawford looped a two-run double down the left field line to score Mitch Garver and Cole Young.  Hancock, who barehanded a hard comebacker by Diaz in the first, battled a finger issue and signaled to the staff in the bottom of the second. The right-hander then removed himself in place of Ferrer.  With two outs in the third, Ferrer yielded Diaz’s single and hit Aranda before fanning Caminero, who got caught looking in a full count on a 101-mph sinker on the 10th offering of the at-bat.  Wilson jumped on a 1-2 sweeper from Seymour in the fourth and sent it out to left for the right fielder’s second homer. Arozarena sliced a Cole Sulser sweeper to right-center for his 11th homer, a three-run blast, to push it to 7-0.  Aranda slashed an opposite-field shot to left, his 14th, to spoil the shutout chance in the eighth, but Crawford doubled in a run the next frame.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #beat #Rays #avoid #winless #stay #FloridaJul 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) hits a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Weston Wilson and Randy Arozarena each went deep in Seattle’s four-run fourth inning Sunday afternoon, and the Mariners salvaged one win on their six-game Florida road trip by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Having entered Sunday with 12 runs on the road swing, the Mariners tallied three times in the second before adding four more on the home runs to end their season-high-tying five-game losing streak.

J.P. Crawford went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs, a run and a walk. Josh Naylor reached base three times on a single, a walk and a hit-by-pitch.

Starter Emerson Hancock left in the second inning after suffering a hand injury in the first. He did not allow a hit over 1 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk.

Jose A. Ferrer (2-1) tossed 1 1/3 innings of one-hit ball while fanning two, including a key strikeout of All-Star slugger Junior Caminero.

The American League East-leading Rays retired former third baseman Evan Longoria’s No. 3 in a pregame ceremony. They only managed four hits as they were 4-3 on the homestand.

Jonathan Aranda homered to reach 64 RBIs, while Yandy Diaz was 2-for-4 with a run.


Ian Seymour (6-2) surrendered six runs (five earned) on six hits in 3 1/3 frames with three punchouts and three walks.

Owning an 0-5 record and 2-for-38 with runners in scoring position in Florida, the M’s crafted their best offensive frame of the series by sending three runs across early.

Victor Robles’ sacrifice fly plated Naylor, and Crawford looped a two-run double down the left field line to score Mitch Garver and Cole Young.

Hancock, who barehanded a hard comebacker by Diaz in the first, battled a finger issue and signaled to the staff in the bottom of the second. The right-hander then removed himself in place of Ferrer.

With two outs in the third, Ferrer yielded Diaz’s single and hit Aranda before fanning Caminero, who got caught looking in a full count on a 101-mph sinker on the 10th offering of the at-bat.

Wilson jumped on a 1-2 sweeper from Seymour in the fourth and sent it out to left for the right fielder’s second homer. Arozarena sliced a Cole Sulser sweeper to right-center for his 11th homer, a three-run blast, to push it to 7-0.

Aranda slashed an opposite-field shot to left, his 14th, to spoil the shutout chance in the eighth, but Crawford doubled in a run the next frame.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #beat #Rays #avoid #winless #stay #Florida">Deadspin | Mariners beat Rays, avoid winless stay in Florida  Jul 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) hits a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Weston Wilson and Randy Arozarena each went deep in Seattle’s four-run fourth inning Sunday afternoon, and the Mariners salvaged one win on their six-game Florida road trip by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 in St. Petersburg, Fla.  Having entered Sunday with 12 runs on the road swing, the Mariners tallied three times in the second before adding four more on the home runs to end their season-high-tying five-game losing streak.  J.P. Crawford went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs, a run and a walk. Josh Naylor reached base three times on a single, a walk and a hit-by-pitch.  Starter Emerson Hancock left in the second inning after suffering a hand injury in the first. He did not allow a hit over 1 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk.  Jose A. Ferrer (2-1) tossed 1 1/3 innings of one-hit ball while fanning two, including a key strikeout of All-Star slugger Junior Caminero.  The American League East-leading Rays retired former third baseman Evan Longoria’s No. 3 in a pregame ceremony. They only managed four hits as they were 4-3 on the homestand.  Jonathan Aranda homered to reach 64 RBIs, while Yandy Diaz was 2-for-4 with a run.  Ian Seymour (6-2) surrendered six runs (five earned) on six hits in 3 1/3 frames with three punchouts and three walks.   Owning an 0-5 record and 2-for-38 with runners in scoring position in Florida, the M’s crafted their best offensive frame of the series by sending three runs across early.  Victor Robles’ sacrifice fly plated Naylor, and Crawford looped a two-run double down the left field line to score Mitch Garver and Cole Young.  Hancock, who barehanded a hard comebacker by Diaz in the first, battled a finger issue and signaled to the staff in the bottom of the second. The right-hander then removed himself in place of Ferrer.  With two outs in the third, Ferrer yielded Diaz’s single and hit Aranda before fanning Caminero, who got caught looking in a full count on a 101-mph sinker on the 10th offering of the at-bat.  Wilson jumped on a 1-2 sweeper from Seymour in the fourth and sent it out to left for the right fielder’s second homer. Arozarena sliced a Cole Sulser sweeper to right-center for his 11th homer, a three-run blast, to push it to 7-0.  Aranda slashed an opposite-field shot to left, his 14th, to spoil the shutout chance in the eighth, but Crawford doubled in a run the next frame.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #beat #Rays #avoid #winless #stay #Florida

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.

The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara
7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama
8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas
9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State
12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M
13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU
14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC
17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia
18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia
19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)
20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina
21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville
22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas
23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida
24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee
25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU
26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State
28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)
30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)
31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)
32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas
34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi
35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA
36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players">MLB mock draft 2026: Updated projection with White Sox choosing between 3 elite players  Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre DameIf you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLAIt is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia TechThe Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia TechThis might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa BarbaraIt’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.Here’s a look at that fastball:And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, AlabamaHere is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, ArkansasAs noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, KentuckyThe Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:That will work at Coors Field someday.  #MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players

2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara
7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama
8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas
9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State
12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M
13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU
14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC
17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia
18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia
19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)
20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina
21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville
22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas
23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida
24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee
25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU
26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State
28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)
30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)
31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)
32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas
34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi
35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA
36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players">MLB mock draft 2026: Updated projection with White Sox choosing between 3 elite players

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.

The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara
7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama
8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas
9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State
12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M
13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU
14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC
17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia
18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia
19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)
20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina
21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville
22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas
23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida
24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee
25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU
26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State
28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)
30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)
31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)
32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas
34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi
35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA
36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players

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