In final draft rankings, Lackey was ranked 3rd by MLB, 3rd by ESPN, and 1st by FanGraphs.

The Twins selected Vahn Lackey with the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Lackey is a catcher from Georgia Tech. Slot value for the pick is $9,740,100. Lackey was ranked #2 on our MLB Draft Consensus Board. In 2026, Lackey slashed .397/.519/.772 (1.291) with 20 home runs (39 extra-base hits) while walking 17.7% of the time, and only striking out at a 13.4% clip. He also posted an outrageous 170 wRC+, showcasing just how well-rounded of a hitter he is. Here’s what our write-up of Lackey by Jamie Cameron from our MLB Draft Consensus Board said of Lackey.

Every draft cycle seems to produce 2-3 first-round catchers, most of whom have warts offensively, defensively, or both. Georgia Tech's Vahn Lackey may be the most complete college catcher in recent seasons and has a case to make as college baseball’s most improved player in 2026. 

Lackey entered 2026 viewed as an excellent defensive catcher, with athleticism uncommon for the position, in addition to having strong bat-to-ball skills. He’s continued to look excellent behind the plate, with good receiving and blocking skills, an excellent arm, and strong pop and transfer times. He has all the ingredients to be a plus defensive catcher. 

Offensively, his power has taken a step forward. After hitting 6 home runs in 60 games in 2025, he managed 20 in 61 games in 2026, with more walks than strikeouts, adding a high on-base floor to his profile. Lackey ended 2026 hitting .397/.519/.772 with 39 extra base hits, a 17.7 BB%, a 13.4 K%, and 15 steals (94%). Simply put, he’s one of the most complete profiles in this draft class.

Lackey becomes the Twins’ first catcher selected in round one since Joe Mauer in 2001. Given the fact that Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson went with the first two picks, this was a no-brainer for the Twins. Lackey will immediately become one of Minnesota’s top prospects, giving the team a pair of elite catching prospects along with Eduardo Tait. Jeremy Zoll's first draft is off to a promising start.

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