Grady

Emerson

Emerson was the number two pick in July’s draft and signed for a massive $9.75 million with the Rays, the second-highest bonus in draft history and highest ever for a high school player. He has the chance to be a special prospect with true five-category upside and is already a top-10 prospect per MLB Pipeline’s recent re-rank.

The second-overall selection receives a whopping $9.75 million from Tampa Bay, which represents the second-highest signing bonus in draft history. It’s also a record for a high school player, according to MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis. The 18-year-old shortstop has a chance to evolve into the most impactful fantasy contributor from his draft class. He projects as a future five-category standout capable of hitting for both average and power while also chipping in some stolen bases. He’s several hyperspace jumps from the majors at this stage of his development, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he moved quickly through Tampa Bay’s system in the coming years.

Emerson started the year as the top prep bat in the class, and did nothing over his senior season to drop him from that spot. If anything, the 18-year-old has seen his stock rise while showing the potential to be a five-tool player. The best of these tools is a swing that is built to make hard contact to all parts of the field, and on top of a chance to hit for a high average, there’s 25-plus homer potential in his left-handed swing. He’s an above-average runner who should steal plenty of bags, and there’s nothing that suggests he won’t be able to play shortstop at the highest level. Emerson will need at least a little time in the minors before he can make an impact, but in terms of pure fantasy upside, no player in the class -- regardless -of level -- has a better chance of being a star.

No real surprises here. Emerson and Cholowsky are basically a coin flip for the top spot with some draft evaluators viewing Emerson as the favorite based on his age and natural hitting ability. He would probably be the top pick in most draft years. Cholowsky is regarded as the most polished collegiate shortstop in at least a decade with a real chance to be above average both at the plate and in the field. Lackey is an elite defensive catcher that also boasts upper echelon exit velocities and would represent the safest high-floor option. The White Sox will go on the clock at 1:00 EST on Saturday afternoon.