Grady Emerson, the top-ranked prospect for the upcoming MLB Draft, has drawn on lessons from former big leaguers and national team experience to reach this point.
The 18-year-old from Argyle, Texas, transferred to Fort Worth Christian High School for his senior year. There he played under head coach Rusty Greer, a former Texas Rangers outfielder.
Emerson batted .532 with 50 RBIs and 31 stolen bases in 28 games. He earned semifinalist status for the 2026 Golden Spikes Award and won the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year honor.
He also competed in the 2025 Home Run Derby X and represented the United States four times on national teams, winning three gold medals. Emerson has modeled aspects of his game after left-handed-hitting shortstops Corey Seager and Brandon Crawford.
The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to begin July 11 in Phoenix.