​The Dodgers kicked off their 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday by selecting Bo Lowrance, a high school third baseman from South Carolina, with their first-round pick, the 40th overall selection in the draft. Their choice comes after the team earned the World Series title last year, which granted them the 30th pick in the first round for this year’s draft. However, the Dodgers faced an additional penalty tied to their competitive balance tax status. After surpassing the third CBT threshold of $281 million in 2025, with a CBT payroll of $417.3 million and a tax payment of $169.4 million (both records for the major leagues), their first-round pick dropped 10 slots to the 40th spot. This consecutive drop in the draft order also occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
With the 40th overall pick, the Dodgers selected Bo Lowrance, who remains committed to playing college baseball at the University of Virginia. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound infielder is viewed as a polished hitter with a smooth left-handed swing. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 21st-best prospect entering the draft, noting his ability to make contact to all fields and his success against high-level competition on the showcase circuit. Despite his length in the stroke, Lowrance is praised for not over-swinging and for staying disciplined at the plate. He has drawn comparisons to Freddie Freeman for his ability to spray line drives to all fields. Scouts also highlight that while he projects as a potential power hitter, his current frame and approach suggest he will need to add strength and adjust his swing to unlock a potential 25-homer season in the future.
Baseball America, meanwhile, slotted Lowrance as the 38nd-best prospect entering the draft. Evaluators point out that his large build does not hinder his defensive versatility: he displays quick feet around the infield and possesses an above-average arm that could help him stick at the hot corner. That said, his speed is below-average as an adult, which could limit him to a corner-outfield role or first base if he does not remain at third base long-term.
The 40th overall pick carries a recommended slot value of $2,504,200, representing more than 63 percent of the Dodgers’ total bonus pool of $3,951,500 for this draft—the smallest total pool among all teams in 2026. This allocation underscores the financial considerations tied to their CBT penalties and the strategic value the Dodgers place on Lowrance as a potential long-term contributor.
Reporting from WYFF in South Carolina by Chase Justice and Julia Morris captures Lowrance’s perspective as he navigates the moment. Despite his college commitment to Virginia, the door remains open for a potential shift if a qualifying call arrives on draft night. Lowrance described the experience as “definitely gratifying” and “an exciting time” while emphasizing that for him, the moment represents a stepping stone toward a broader career objective. He added that whether he goes to college or signs professionally, the work will continue as soon as the celebration subsides, and the focus will return to the daily grind.
The Dodgers also have one more first-day selection remaining, with their fourth-round pick at No. 132 overall set to be made later on Saturday afternoon. As the club navigates the early rounds of the 2026 draft, many eyes will be on Lowrance’s development and how he translates his considerable upside into measurable progress within the Dodgers’ player-development system.