Twins Land Justin Lebron in Baseball America’s First 2026 Mock Draft

[Cody Christie]

The college baseball season has just begun, but draft discussions are already taking shape. As conference play begins nationwide, scouts are evaluating players and identifying early favorites for July’s MLB Draft. That timing has become the unofficial launch point for the year's first mock draft. This week, Baseball America released its Mock Draft 1.0 for 2026, offering an early snapshot of how the top of the class could unfold.

At this stage, the focus is on identifying talent tiers rather than matching teams to players. Teams are already evaluating which prospects need the most scouting focus in the coming months.

For the Minnesota Twins, the early projection is exciting. Holding the third overall pick in the 2026 draft, Minnesota is positioned to add another elite prospect to a farm system that has recently seen several waves of talent graduate to the major league level.

According to the mock draft, the Chicago White Sox are projected to select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the first overall pick. Cholowsky entered the spring as the consensus top prospect in the class and has drawn comparisons to other elite shortstops, further supporting his status as a top choice, while maintaining his strong narrative during the opening weeks of the season.

Through his first 15 games, Cholowsky has been electric at the plate. He is slashing .309/.461/.818 for a massive 1.279 OPS while launching eight home runs and adding four doubles. It is the kind of early-season performance that only strengthens his case to go first overall.

With the second pick, the Tampa Bay Rays are projected to choose prep shortstop Grady Emerson. High school prospects can be unpredictable this early, and Emerson has his entire senior season to solidify his status.

That leaves the Twins on the clock at number three. Baseball America’s projection has Minnesota selecting shortstop Justin Lebron from the Alabama Crimson Tide. If his early-season production is any indication, Lebron could be one of the fastest-rising players in the entire class.

In 17 games this spring, Lebron is hitting .302/.458/.730 with a 1.188 OPS. He already has eight home runs and three doubles while adding another dimension with his speed. Lebron is a perfect 16-for-16 in stolen base attempts and has shown strong plate discipline with 14 walks compared to just 12 strikeouts.

That combination of power, speed, and on-base ability is exactly the type of profile that tends to move up draft boards as the season progresses. If Lebron continues producing at this level against SEC competition, there is a real chance he could push his way into the conversation for the top overall pick.

Many other contenders remain in play near the top. Several college hitters have drawn early attention: Jackson Flora, Drew Burress, Ace Reese, AJ Gracia, and Chris Hacopian. The high school class also features promising prospects beyond Emerson. Jacob Lombard and Erick Becker could all factor into the top of the draft, depending on how their spring performances develop.

It is important to remember that March mock drafts are only the starting point. Performances will fluctuate, injuries can change the landscape, and scouting opinions often evolve as teams see players more frequently throughout the spring.

Still, these early projections offer a useful snapshot of the talent pool. By July, the draft board will look different in many ways, but the Twins will likely choose from a group that includes several names already near the top of this mock draft.

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[Dman]

If Lebron can keep pace with the bat I still think he could go number one.  Starting to think the Twins will end up with Emerson.  I think Emerson would be a great pick for the Twins.  With Culpepper, Houston and to some extent Lee on the way there having a player a few years behind those guys would be nice as they form another wave of talent.  I am a big believe in Emerson's bat and his defense looks solid as well.  There's a long way to go, but any of those three looks good to me.

[twinstalker]

1 hour ago, Dman said:

If Lebron can keep pace with the bat I still think he could go number one.  Starting to think the Twins will end up with Emerson.  I think Emerson would be a great pick for the Twins.  With Culpepper, Houston and to some extent Lee on the way there having a player a few years behind those guys would be nice as they form another wave of talent.  I am a big believe in Emerson's bat and his defense looks solid as well.  There's a long way to go, but any of those three looks good to me.

In conference last year, Lebron posted an OPS < .700 and struck out 32% of the time.  In no way is he justifiable anywhere near the Twins pick.  In any round. 

BA acknowledges he can't hit and gives him to the Twins anyway.  That's disrespect.  You know how I was saying Kyle DeBarge was a huge mistake for the Twins when they took him?  The scout on him also said he put up all his college numbers versus bad pitching, and that's exactly what Lebron has done.  But that K rate takes away all hope that there was luck involved.  It would be a horrible choice.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

30 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

In conference last year, Lebron posted an OPS < .700 and struck out 32% of the time.  In no way is he justifiable anywhere near the Twins pick.  In any round. 

BA acknowledges he can't hit and gives him to the Twins anyway.  That's disrespect.  You know how I was saying Kyle DeBarge was a huge mistake for the Twins when they took him?  The scout on him also said he put up all his college numbers versus bad pitching, and that's exactly what Lebron has done.  But that K rate takes away all hope that there was luck involved.  It would be a horrible choice.

Uh oh.

[DocBauer]

There's a long way to go before the draft, and players will rise and fall in the rankings. There are others besides the 3 SS having great seasons so far. Unfortunately, there is a powerful LHP...can’t recall his name at the moment...who has scary good potential who is now hurt.

But coming in to the season, the top 3 was set with those SS, and probably in the order presented. Emerson has drawn comparisons to Witt Jr. And there's even a 4th, Lombard, younger son of the Tigers coach, that could sneak in to the top of the draft as well. Tons of talent.

I don't know about Lebron having difficulty in the SEC last season. Perhaps there was an issue? IDK. But from what I have heard about him, I'd be very happy to have him as the Twins pick. I just don't see Emerson sliding to them. If Lebron is for real, he'd probably be a pretty fast mover.

It's tantalizing to think about him, K-Pepper, Houston, and Keaschall all young and up around the same time/age. And I haven't given up on Lee's bat maturing and giving him a spot/role. Might Lewis be around beyond 2028 and maybe playing 1B?

The INF could be really interesting in the near future. Maybe as interesting as the potential of the OF.

[Whitey333]

OMG it's a little early for this isn't it?  Besides he will probably either be a dude or grossly underperform in the majors.  Just more hype.  Nothing new here.

[Dman]

16 hours ago, twinstalker said:

In conference last year, Lebron posted an OPS < .700 and struck out 32% of the time.  In no way is he justifiable anywhere near the Twins pick.  In any round. 

BA acknowledges he can't hit and gives him to the Twins anyway.  That's disrespect.  You know how I was saying Kyle DeBarge was a huge mistake for the Twins when they took him?  The scout on him also said he put up all his college numbers versus bad pitching, and that's exactly what Lebron has done.  But that K rate takes away all hope that there was luck involved.  It would be a horrible choice.

Didn't know he had a 700 OPS in SEC play.  Lot's of Scouts acknowledging chase rates were too high last year.  Still there is a reason he has ranked number 3 pretty consistently on boards.  They don't just put guys there willy nilly. 

If the swing does come along this year especially in the SEC that would imply a step forward for him.  If not then certainly he will fall down the board. Happens all the time.  Some guys go up, some down.  Still pretty early. We'll see what things look like as the season progresses.

[bunsen82]

22 hours ago, twinstalker said:

In conference last year, Lebron posted an OPS < .700 and struck out 32% of the time.  In no way is he justifiable anywhere near the Twins pick.  In any round. 

BA acknowledges he can't hit and gives him to the Twins anyway.  That's disrespect.  You know how I was saying Kyle DeBarge was a huge mistake for the Twins when they took him?  The scout on him also said he put up all his college numbers versus bad pitching, and that's exactly what Lebron has done.  But that K rate takes away all hope that there was luck involved.  It would be a horrible choice.

They don't say he can't hit - the hit tool is just not elite - there is a massive difference.  Debarge is still a decent prospect,  defense and speed,  need to see some improvements on the hit tool - even still Lebrons hit tool is better than Debarges so comparing them seems odd.    

Right now for the early season you have 4 still in that top conversation doing well in the early season.  

1. Roch  2. Emerson  3. Lebron  4.  Flora - 1.5 ERA  appears to be taking the lead for the 1st pitcher drafted

I still would not be suprised  if the Twins end with Emerson who I think is their preferred pick.  There is too much underslot picks ect.  Lebron could very well be viewed as the 2nd best prospect.   I think they would be fine with Lebron - as would I.   

Lebron  Hit:50   Power : 60   Run: 60  Arm: 60 Field : 60  Overall 60   

Chowolsky  Hit 60  Power 60   Run 45   Arm 60 Field 60  

Emerson    Hit 60   Power 55  Run 55  Arm 60  Field 60  Overall 60   

There is a reason Falvey was talking about at what point in the lottery would they start throwing stuff.  4-5 was effectively the number.   Why - because they view this draft as 3 elite prospects, and those are the 3.  I might also say,  Chowlsky has the highest risk of declining athletic ability with his run already down to a 45 which could start effecting his fielding no different than Lee.   Chowolsky is also more protected in his lineup with 4 players with OPS above 1.000.   For Alabama you have Lebron and Neal with Lebron having the highest stats.  Teams may be more willing to pitch around Lebron.  Lebron is also 18-18 so far this year on stolen bases.   You then have Emerson who is viewed as slightly less powerful Bobby Witt.   

 

Debarge   Hit 45  Power 50   Run 60  Arm 50 Field 55  Overall 40  -   (I think he was a 45 when drafted and hit tool 50).   Also as a note - that 2024 class was extremely weak,  Debarge was one of the last picks with the hope of a decent hit tool.   -  I find it amusing want to be upset about a draft pick when it appears they nailed their picks in Culpepper and Hill -  Diaw looks like potential solid C prospect -  If Debarge improves his hit tool at all he becomes a top of the order or 9 hole bat if the steals can be maintained.  Amick hit tool looked better as well as his defense - but the power disappeared.   If he can maintain the hit tool and power he becomes a legit prospect.   

[bunsen82]

20 hours ago, twinstalker said:

In conference last year, Lebron posted an OPS < .700 and struck out 32% of the time.  In no way is he justifiable anywhere near the Twins pick.  In any round. 

FYI your OPS calcs are wrong.  OPS of .856 in SEC play.    That's quite the misstatement.  Appears you are more trying to confirm you view than give a factual review.  

https://overslotbaseball.com/articles/mlb-draft-justin-lebron/

SEC play began March 14 last season. From that point foward, Lebron slashed .278/.377/.479. Impressive numbers, but a step backwards from his torrid start. 

[hotshotschamp]

Forget Lebron at 3.  

 

I want GA Tech - Catcher - Vahn Lackey.  He's a better overall hitter than Lebron, less whiff rate, good on defense as well, athletic, can run for a catcher.  Great dude also.  

Lackey in 60 AB's has 28 hits, 7 homers, 18 BB's, 9 K's.  .467 Average, 600% OBP and 7 stolen bases.  He can move for a catcher.

Lackey and Emerson are my guys at #3 as of now.  Jackson Flora and Ace Reese are on the radar too.

Edited March 11 by hotshotschamp
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[Twinkies are for eating]

When are the Twins going to start taking a chance on a high end pitching prospect near the top. We have an over abundance of SS and OF prospects. Most of which are injury prone or will be moved to a less premium position. Also we don’t need anymore high school prospects. Too unpredictable. Just my two cents. Feel like I’m already ahead of Falvey’s thought process.

[bunsen82]

3 hours ago, Twinkies are for eating said:

When are the Twins going to start taking a chance on a high end pitching prospect near the top. We have an over abundance of SS and OF prospects. Most of which are injury prone or will be moved to a less premium position. Also we don’t need anymore high school prospects. Too unpredictable. Just my two cents. Feel like I’m already ahead of Falvey’s thought process.

We have had very few early/early draft picks and have not used them to pick a pitcher. 

Beyond that they have started picking pitchers at the end of 1st/2nd round

2021 - Petty

2022 -  Priellip

2023 - Soto

2024 - Hill 

2025 - Quick  

 

Those for the most part are our best prospects for pitching in the system.  We do have a handfull of others.  I have high hopes for the 2025 draft class that we will find some studs between Quick, Ellwanger, Reitz and Barr.  

 

[chpettit19]

6 hours ago, Twinkies are for eating said:

When are the Twins going to start taking a chance on a high end pitching prospect near the top. We have an over abundance of SS and OF prospects. Most of which are injury prone or will be moved to a less premium position. Also we don’t need anymore high school prospects. Too unpredictable. Just my two cents. Feel like I’m already ahead of Falvey’s thought process.

How can they have an "over abundance" but have "most" of them be "injury prone or moved to a less premium position?" Wouldn't them being injury prone or moved off those spots mean they no longer have the overabundance?

Everyone drafts SS. The Twins drafted the 10th SS in the 2025 draft. He was taken with the 16th pick. That means 9 of the first 15 picks were SS. For the exact reason you mentioned, many are moved off SS. There's no such thing as having an overabundance of SS prospects. If they all turn out well, you move them to other spots. It's why you have to be a special hitter to be a corner player picked high. Nobody moves up the defensive spectrum after they're drafted, they move down. So you draft guys at the top and move them as needed.

And the reason many teams shy away from pitchers at the top is the same reason you don't like high school prospects. Too unpredictable. As @bunsen82 pointed out, the Twins do frequently take pitchers with their 2nd or 3rd pick. It's not like they aren't taking guys seen as having truly meaningful upside relatively high in the draft. 

The baseball draft, for most every team, is about taking who you view is the best player available. There's no such thing as a logjam. There's no such thing as having too many up the middle prospects. Teams have their own formulas for what they perceive as the best player and weigh things like pitcher injury risk, etc differently, but there aren't many, if any, teams who say "we have too many SS or OF who are injury prone or going to move down the spectrum so we shouldn't draft a SS or OF because we have too many."

[hotshotschamp]

lackey 3-3 tonight , 1 HR, 1 Double, 1 walk, 2 RBI.  Batting almost .500 now. 

 

I'm telling you this kid will be in play at #3

[Mike Sixel]

On 3/11/2026 at 5:12 AM, Whitey333 said:

OMG it's a little early for this isn't it?  Besides he will probably either be a dude or grossly underperform in the majors.  Just more hype.  Nothing new here.

Every thread, without fail. 

[Mike Sixel]

Take BPA..... But I lean SS and catcher if there is an elite one there. I know others don't. 

You need lots of OF and SS hat moved there all the time....