The Dodgers usually have to wait a while to make their first Draft selection, not that anyone is feeling sorry for them.
Draft position is determined by reverse order of success the previous season, and Los Angeles often moves down 10 spots for exceeding the second competitive balance tax threshold. As a result, the Dodgers' top pick has come at No. 29 (Maddux Bruns), No. 40 (Dalton Rushing), No. 36 (Kendall George), No. 23 (Kellon Lindsey) and No. 40 (Zach Root) in the last five Drafts. That averages out to 34th overall.
2026 Draft:
None of those players have made an impact in the Majors yet, though Rushing was a Top 100 Prospect before graduating and George topped the Minors with 100 stolen bases last season. Los Angeles' most productive choices in the last five Drafts have been Emmet Sheehan (sixth round, 2021), whose 2.82 ERA ranked second-best in the 2025 rotation, and World Series hero Justin Wrobleski (11th round, 2021).
The Dodgers will pick at No. 40 again at 2026, which signifies that they're coming off another World Series championship and spent heavily once again. Whom could they nab with their initial selection? Let's take a look ...
Projection in this week's early mock draft:
Tegan Kuhns, RHP, Tennessee (No. 43)
The top sophomore-eligible pitcher available, Kuhns posted a 5.40 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings last spring before dominating in three Cape Cod League starts. He has advanced feel for spin, translating it into good carry on a 93-95 mph fastball that reaches 98 and impressive downer break on an upper-70s curveball. He eventually could pitch in the front half of a big league rotation if adding more strength helps him improve his control and develop a dependable third pitch.
Three more possibilities:
Blake Bowen, OF, JSerra Catholic HS, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (No. 33)
A star wide receiver before giving up football, Bowen features one of the best all-around toolsets in the high school class. He's a 6-foot-3, 215-pounder with plus game power, speed and arm strength. He has the quickness to potentially stay in center field, as well as the offensive production and arm to fit in right field should he have to shift to a corner.
Kaden Waechter, RHP, Jesuit HS, Tampa, Fla. (No. 37)
The son of former big league pitcher Doug Waechter, Kaden is one of the more polished prep arms in the Draft. He has advanced command of a lively low-90s fastball that touches 95 mph, misses bats with a mid-80s slider and also shows some feel for an upper-80s cutter and mid-80s changeup. His repeatable delivery, projectable 6-foot-3 frame and aptitude for mixing pitches are three more points in his favor.
Chase Brunson, OF, Texas Christian (No. 44)
The Horned Frogs have a pair of physical outfielders who will go early in the Draft, with Sawyer Strosnider ticketed for a top 10 selection and Brunson having a chance to sneak into the back of the first round. The latter is a 6-foot-3, 200-pounder who hits the ball hard, displaying 20-homer power that plays to all fields, and is a solid runner, thrower and center fielder. He slashed .317/.395/.554 with 12 homers as a sophomore.