Grady Emerson, Fort Worth (Texas) Christian School shortstop, was the top-ranked draft prospect by MLB Pipeline and the 2026 Gatorade Player of the Year for Texas.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Fort Worth (Texas) Christian School shortstop Grady Emerson was drafted No. 2 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Emerson was the top-ranked draft prospect by MLB Pipeline and the 2026 Gatorade Player of the Year for Texas. He transferred from Argyle High School to Fort Worth Christian School to play his senior season under former big leaguer Rusty Greer, who also mentored Royals star and DFW native Bobby Witt Jr. while he was growing up.
Incoming infield influence 💥
With the 2nd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft the Tampa Bay Rays select SS Grady Emerson. pic.twitter.com/WZMFtuBL3B
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 11, 2026
During his senior year at Fort Worth Christian, Emerson posted a .532/.648/1.013 slash line with seven home runs and 21 steals, according to MLB.com. Emerson is projected to be a 25-homer player in the Majors, according to MLB Pipeline.
The No. 2 overall pick in this year’s Draft came with an assigned slot value of $10,507,000, part of the Rays’ overall bonus pool of $19,009,300 – the second-largest pool this year.