UCLA’s Cholowsky leads 2026 MLB Draft class as NCAA tournament begins
CBS Sports identifies ten key prospects ahead of regional play, with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky emerging as the consensus No. 1 selection for the upcoming amateur draft.
The 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament commences with regional play this Friday, marking the start of the postseason for 64 teams vying for the national championship. The field notably excludes LSU, the reigning champions, who finished the season with a 30-28 record, including a 22-28 stretch after an 8-0 start. UCLA enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed, positioning itself as a central figure in the final preparations for the annual MLB Draft.
The draft is scheduled for July 11 and 12, with the Chicago White Sox holding the No. 1 overall selection following a lottery in December. As teams begin their final evaluations, CBS Sports has identified ten top prospects, ranked in rough order of expected draft slot. The selection process prioritises one player per school to ensure variety across the collegiate landscape.
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky stands as the consensus No. 1 prospect for the 2026 draft. Entering the postseason with a .321/.455/.660 batting line, 21 home runs, and 35 walks compared to 34 strikeouts, Cholowsky has drawn approval from both traditional scouts and modern analysts. His right-handed swing generates high exit velocities, and his defensive capabilities at shortstop are considered sufficient for long-term major league play.
Other significant prospects include UCLA pitcher Logan Reddemann, who may face first-round selection despite missing time since mid-April due to arm fatigue. Catcher Lackey is regarded as the top catcher prospect, having posted a .403/.521/.781 slash line with 18 home runs in 2026. Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress and pitcher Flora, who holds a 1.05 ERA with 124 strikeouts in 94 ⅓ innings, are also highlighted as early-round candidates.
The remaining prospects present varied profiles and risks. Pitcher Flukey is returning from a rib injury that sidelined him for 10 weeks, while outfielder Lebron faces scrutiny over plate discipline despite possessing elite tools. Infielder Gracia is noted for his power and contact but is described as overly passive at the plate. These evaluations underscore the complex decision-making process MLB teams will undertake during the July draft.
