The 2026 MLB draft has a ton of talent at the top and is led by one of the better college crops we’ve seen in years. There is also some intrigue bubbling up in the first five picks as we approach the July 11 start date. UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky has been the projected No. 1 overall pick for nearly a year after a fantastic showing as a sophomore. While he may still be the top selection, he is now facing competition from Grady Emerson, a prep shortstop out of Texas. The rest of the first round is a bit up in the air, as a strong college class appears to be edging out many of the high school players who usually dot the first round. It's worth noting that there are 25 picks in the first round this year. Five teams exceeded the competitive balance tax threshold for the second time, so their first picks were moved down 10 spots. The Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays and Dodgers were all handed those penalties and will pick later. Here’s our first stab at a first round mock draft in 2026. 1.…