Analyst sets stage for Rays to draft the top prep player with pick No. 2

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The Tampa Bay Rays are operating as one of the best teams in baseball this season. This scrappy bunch has put together a 51-33 record going into Friday's games, which puts them first in the American League East.

It almost seems unfair that a team this good received the No. 2 overall pick for the 2026 MLB Draft, but they did. And to make things even more weird, the Chicago White Sox, who were awarded the No. 1 pick, also sit in first place in their division.

Now, if both of these teams continue to hold the lead in their division, it would be the first time that the two teams drafting first and second finished atop their respective divisions.

MORE: Analyst explains the Twins' options at pick No. 3 in latest mock

Analyst sets stage for Rays to draft the top prep player with pick No. 2

Now, what the Rays plan to do during the draft largely sits on what the White Sox do with the first overall pick. And over the weeks, it has not been all that clear who the White Sox are leaning toward.

There's a clear top three consisting of Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, and Vahn Lackey. And MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo believes the White Sox will take Cholowsky, leaving Emerson to the Rays.

"If Emerson goes to the White Sox, I have to think the Rays happily take Cholowsky. With Roch off the board, it's an Emerson vs. Lackey conversation here, and it could go either way. This time around, I'm saying they go with the prep standout instead of the college catcher."

Emerson plays the premium shortstop position, which scouts don't believe he will have a problem with at the big-league level. Offensively, he has a great left-handed swing with impressive bat speed and exit velocities.

He could be a great pick and player who could fast-track through the minors.