​PHILADELPHIA — For definitive grades on the 2026 MLB draft, set aside your expectations for the next several years and check back in 60 to 120 months. If you want a sharp, well-informed assessment that still embraces the rough edges of prognostication, we’ve got you covered right now. The first round of this year’s draft, which took place Saturday, July 11 at Philadelphia’s Convention Center, launched a wave of prep and college players into professional baseball, with many on track for the major leagues, some destined to be All-Stars, and perhaps one or two with a real shot at the Hall of Fame.
Admittedly, that’s a projection for the very distant future. For the moment, though, let’s evaluate who hit their targets and who has lingering questions to answer as the full draft class continues to develop. Here are early, instant grades for the MLB draft class of 2026.
1 / 21 The Athletics: Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he attempts to stretch a double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026. (Scott Marshall, Imagn Images) The rest of the teams involved in the first round include the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers.
This analysis originally appeared on USA TODAY and is presented here as live MLB Draft grades for every first-round pick, intended to accompany ongoing coverage of the 2026 draft class.