Dodgers select talented prep hitter Lowrance with No. 40 pick

Bo Lowrance, MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 Draft prospect, has been one of the hottest names in Draft circles this spring. In a class relatively light on high school position players, Lowrance ranks as MLB Pipeline’s sixth-best prep hitter, fifth if you consider two-way prospect Jared Grindlinger (No. 12 to Angels) is perhaps most likely to stick on the mound.

That's why the Dodgers were happy Lowrance was still on the board when they selected him with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.

The Dodgers’ first overall pick was dropped 10 places to No. 40 because they exceeded the second surcharge threshold of the Competitive Balance Tax. They also lost their second-, third-, fifth- and sixth-round picks as a penalty for signing closer Edwin Díaz and right fielder Kyle Tucker, who both declined qualifying offers, this past offseason.

The towering lefty-swinging infielder rocketed into first-round projections thanks in part to dominant performances on showcase circuits. He also displayed exit velocities consistently in the upper 90s and triple digits at this summer’s MLB Draft Combine.

Given 55 grades for both hit and power tools, Lowrance’s 6-foot-5 frame has earned him favorable comparisons to Dodgers superstar Freddie Freeman -- after whom Lowrance said he models his plate approach.

The South Carolina product has a naturally long swing, but he hits the ball in the air and makes consistent contact to all fields. More frequently pulling the ball could unleash additional raw power, and there’s plenty of time for the 18-year-old to add strength and make adjustments to get there.

Defensively, Lowrance has played shortstop in the prep ranks but profiles more as a third baseman in professional ball. He moves well for his size -- given a 50 running grade -- but only has average quickness. First base or right field could also be future homes for him. His arm is unlikely to be a concern with a strong 55 grade.

Lowrance holds a commitment to Virginia as a highly rated prospect, though his Draft position means it’s unlikely he plays for the Cavaliers.