Vahn

Lackey

Lackey was the third overall pick in this month’s MLB Draft and will get the second-highest signing bonus of all time behind Roch Cholowsky, who was taken first overall in the same draft. The slot value for the third pick in this year’s draft was $9.7 million, so the deal is in line with what was expected for the Georgia Tech product.

Lackey was far from an unknown coming into the season, but to say he saw his stock rise in 2026 is an understatement. The 21-year-old backstop hit .397/.519/.772 with the Yellow Jackets, and there are many who believe he is the best player in the class. Lackey’s swing isn’t picturesque, but he makes it work and stays in the zone long enough to project not only a chance to hit for average, but it comes with enough bat speed that 30-plus homer seasons are a realistic possibility. He’s also a very solid defender behind the plate -- who would be athletic enough to play elsewhere if necessary -- with an arm that will keep all but the fleetest of runners from stealing bags on a regular basis. It’s hard not to see Lackey developing into a starting backstop, and he’s the rare combination of high floor and high ceiling that makes him a must-roster in dynasty formats.

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.