Royals to Pick 6th in 2026 MLB Draft

[Kevin O'Brien]

Image courtesy of © Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

On Tuesday evening, Major League Baseball conducted the MLB Draft lottery. After an 82-80 season, the Royals entered the lottery with the third-lowest odds to get the No. 1 pick (0.84%). 

 

Only the Mets (0.67%) and the Astros (0.34%) had lower odds than the Royals. However, after some years of tough lottery luck (they fell out of the top six despite having the second-best lottery odds in 2023), they jumped their projected draft position, which was No. 16, and landed the No. 6 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

The No. 6 pick gives the Royals increased slot money and more flexibility in the 2026 Draft. After being awarded a competitive balance round pick this offseason, they will hold the sixth, 31st, and 56th picks in the upcoming draft. Having three picks in the Top-60 will give JJ Picollo and scouting director Brian Bridges millions more in bonus money to play with, which could help them net some much-needed top-end talent. 

It's still early, but Kansas City could be in play to select a top college outfielder, such as Georgia Tech's Drew Burress and LSU's Derek Curiel, or prep left-handed pitcher Carson Bolemon, according to MLB Pipeline's Top-100 2026 MLB Draft prospects. 

The No. 6 selection could also allow the Royals to trade their competitive balance round pick at No. 31 to net a high-profile player or larger prospect package. The Royals have traded their competitive balance round pick twice: in 2022 (with Atlanta in the Drew Waters trade) and 2024 (with Washington in the Hunter Harvey trade). 

The 2026 MLB Draft will be at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia during All-Star Week, with the first round taking place on Saturday, July 11th. The remaining rounds will take place on Sunday, July 12th, and Monday, July 13th. 

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