​The 2026 MLB Draft is finally here. The opening round starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, and the Pirates are positioned to add another impactful player to their organization when they step up with the fifth pick. Since Ben Cherington took over as general manager, Pittsburgh has not shied away from targeting players across every demographic in their top selections. They’ve chosen college hitters like Nick Gonzales and Henry Davis, a college pitcher in Paul Skenes, high school hitters such as Termarr Johnson and Konnor Griffin, and a high school pitcher in Seth Hernandez. Assistant general manager Kevan Graves recently explained the team’s approach to the draft. While there’s room to explore creative ways to maximize spending power, the overall strategy remains straightforward: when you’re selecting your top picks, you’re aiming to add the best player available.
Here are my 10 best players in this year’s draft. I briefly contemplated placing Emerson at the very top of my initial big board, but I held off, and after deeper analysis, he lands at No. 1 in my final rankings. The Gatorade National Player of the Year posted a remarkable line in his high school season at Fort Worth Christian, slashing .532/.648/1.013 with nine doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 42 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases across 28 games. A left-handed hitter, Emerson projects as a plus hitter with the potential for plus power, anchored by his 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. Defensively, he’s a strong defender with a solid arm, and he projects to stay at shortstop in the pros. Coupled with his speed, Emerson embodies five-tool upside, which is a highly coveted trait in the draft. When teams chase the upside, Emerson’s ceiling stands out as the highest in this class.
Cholowsky is another premier shortstop prospect and was my No. 1 on my initial big board. My decision to slide him down a notch wasn’t a critique of his quality; it was a simple acknowledgment that Emerson’s upside is extraordinary. Cholowsky, a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, hit an impressive .320/.452/.636 with 21 home runs and 60 RBIs as a junior for the Bruins. His best attribute is his bat—expect him to be a plus hitter with a combination of contact skills and power. The 21-year-old is projected to remain at shortstop as a pro, and while his speed doesn’t match Emerson’s, there’s still a lot to like in his offensive package.
Jacob Lombard’s baseball lineage is evident in his talent. The son of former big leaguer George Lombard and the younger brother of top Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr., he comes from a rich baseball heritage. Lombard the younger slashed an eye-catching .477/.607/.864 with 42 hits, 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, 52 runs, and 14 stolen bases in 29 games as a senior at Gulliver Prep. An 18-year-old right-handed batter, Lombard possesses a compelling blend of speed and power, and he’s regarded as an above-average defender at shortstop. His combination of tools makes him a highly intriguing draft prospect with upside that could play up as he continues to refine his game.
Lackey is another well-rounded young player who made a strong impression this season. The 21-year-old just recently turned 21 and delivered an outstanding campaign with Georgia Tech. He’s known for his ability to hit for both average and power, and his overall skill set has drawn scouting attention for his versatility and polish in the lineup.