Grady Emerson is MLB Pipeline’s top-ranked prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft. Here’s everything you need to know about Emerson:
FAST FACTS
MLB Pipeline ranking: No. 1
Position: SS
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 185 lbs.
Bats/throws: L/R
Age: 18 (Born Feb. 21, 2008)
School: Fort Worth Christian (TX) High School
MLB PIPELINE SCOUTING GRADES (20-to-80 scale)
Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 55
Arm: 60
Field: 60
Overall: 65
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
1. He’s been compared to Bobby Witt Jr. -- and Witt has been a mentor
The parallels and similarities abound between Emerson and Witt. They each hail from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area, they share a position and they have similar skillsets. Both have been mentored by former MLB outfielder and current Fort Worth Christian coach Rusty Greer. And Emerson has met with Witt and considers him a mentor, as well.
2. He was named the best high school player in the country
Emerson was not only named the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year for 2026, but he was also named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, resulting in yet another connection to Witt -- Witt was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2019. Emerson posted a .532/.648/1.013 slash line with seven home runs and 21 steals during his senior season with Fort Worth Christian.
3. Another Witt connection? Well, yes -- and it’s impressive
In May, Emerson was named a semifinalist for this year’s Golden Spikes Award, becoming only the second high school player in 48 years to be nominated for the prestigious honor, joining … you guessed it, Witt.
4. He’s got pop -- he finished second in the 2025 High School Home Run Derby
Emerson was runner-up in the 2025 MLB All-Star High School Home Run Derby in Atlanta, getting edged out by friend and fellow top Draft prospect Beau Peterson in the final round at Truist Park, 9-8. Each slugging prep star hit 26 home runs over the first two rounds of the contest to advance to the final head-to-head matchup.
5. He grew up a Rangers fan, and he emulated franchise icons
As a kid growing up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Emerson was naturally a big Rangers fan and Ian Kinsler was his favorite player. He told MLB Network back in May that he “used to do batting impersonations of him and the rest of the Rangers when I was young.” He added that he could also “tell you every player from every lineup of every game, almost, as a kid.”
6. Baseball is his future -- but he could hoop, too
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Emerson was also a standout basketball player, and he played AAU basketball with Indiana Pacers legend Jermaine O’Neal as his coach.