Twins Linked to Top High School Prospect with 3rd Overall Pick

Minnesota has a chance to draft a potential star shortstop in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Mar. 9, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Minnesota Twins hold the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft and are reportedly linked to Grady Emerson, a highly touted high school shortstop from Fort Worth, Texas. Emerson is projected to be one of the top prospects in the draft class, with scouts praising his advanced hitting tools, power potential, and defensive abilities at a premium position.

Why it matters

The Twins' 3rd overall pick gives them a prime opportunity to add a potential franchise-changing talent to their farm system. Emerson is seen as a player who could quickly rise through the minors and make an impact at the major league level, which could be a significant boost for the Twins as they look to build a contending team.

The details

According to reports, the Twins are expected to have the chance to select Emerson with the 3rd overall pick, as the Chicago White Sox are projected to take the top prospect, UCLA's Roch Cholowsky, with the 1st pick, and the Tampa Bay Rays are expected to select Alabama's Justin Lebron with the 2nd pick. Emerson, a 6'2", 180-pound shortstop from Fort Worth Christian High School in Texas, is praised for his advanced hitting tools, power potential, and defensive abilities that could allow him to remain at the premium shortstop position long-term.

  • The 2026 MLB Draft lottery was held in December, determining the draft order.
  • The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to take place in June.

The players

Grady Emerson

A highly touted high school shortstop from Fort Worth, Texas, who is projected to be one of the top prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft class.

Roch Cholowsky

A college prospect from UCLA who is expected to be the 1st overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Justin Lebron

A college prospect from Alabama who is expected to be selected 2nd overall in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Minnesota Twins

The MLB team that holds the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft and is reportedly linked to the top high school prospect, Grady Emerson.

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What they’re saying

“With one of the better hit tools in the 2026 prep class, plus power and all the defensive tools needed to stick at shortstop, Emerson has no obvious hole in his game. There is still physical projection remaining in his 6"2', 180-pound frame, but he has the internal clock and athleticism to remain at a premium defensive position, further adding to his long-term outlook.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Analyst

What’s next

The Twins will have to carefully evaluate all of the top prospects in the 2026 draft class to determine if Grady Emerson is the best fit with the 3rd overall pick.

The takeaway

The Twins have a prime opportunity to add a potential franchise-altering talent to their farm system with the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Grady Emerson, a highly touted high school shortstop, could be an excellent fit if he continues to develop his advanced hitting tools and defensive abilities.