​The Los Angeles Dodgers finally made their first selection in the 2026 MLB Draft after a lengthy wait, choosing high school shortstop Bo Lowrance with the No. 40 overall pick. Their draft strategy was shaped by recent moves that cost them multiple selections: the signings of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz caused the Dodgers to surrender their second-, third-, fifth-, and sixth-round picks due to rejecting qualifying offers. In addition, they forfeited their first-round pick because their organization fell into the second tier of the Competitive Balance Tax. Heading into the draft, the Dodgers did not need more outfielders or players likely to serve as designated hitters, as their farm system already boasted a surplus of those profiles. Instead, the team targeted pitchers, infielders, and catchers to add depth to their prospect pool.
Bo Lowrance, who starred for Christ Church, fits the Dodgers’ long-term needs well. The 18-year-old, who stands tall at six-foot-five and weighs 200 pounds, is a left-handed batter who throws right-handed. He is set to turn 19 in September. His physical projection and bat-to-ball skills give him the potential to grow into a cornerstone, with the flexibility to move beyond shortstop as his pro career progresses.
Industry buzz surrounding Lowrance highlighted him as a standout prospect in the draft class. The Athletic’s Keith Law placed him at No. 16 overall and the fifth-best shortstop, while MLB Pipeline ranked him No. 21 and FanGraphs had him as high as No. 7 overall. Baseball America, by contrast, rated him lower at No. 38. Law’s scouting assessment emphasized Lowrance’s powerful right-handed swing and his ability to drive the ball in the air. He noted Lowrance’s impressive performance at showcase events from the prior year, suggesting a potential future as a plus hitter with plus power. Law also mentioned questions about whether Lowrance could remain at shortstop, predicting he would likely move to third base in professional baseball, with a possibility of later shifting to right field given his size.
Lowrance’s combination of size, strength, and hitting ability made him an appealing target for the Dodgers, who are looking to add depth at the infield and on the mound rather than increasing their outfield or DH options. Scouting consensus suggested his best path in pro ball could involve a move to third base, where his bat and power could be best utilized, with right field as another potential destination as his career unfolds. This strategic fit aligns with the Dodgers’ current organizational needs and long-term goals.
Overall, the Dodgers appear to have landed a valuable asset in Lowrance, especially when considering the high praise he drew from several scouts and evaluators. The franchise’s next selection comes at No. 132 overall, where they will look to continue building a versatile and talented prospect pool to sustain competitive strength in the years ahead. This pick position also provides a platform for the Dodgers to capitalize on projected talent across infield and pitching roles, further strengthening their pipeline as they shape their future rosters.