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Dodgers' Draft Pick Dips Due to CBT Penalties
11 Jul
Summary
- Dodgers' first pick in the 2026 MLB Draft is 40th overall.
- Free agent signings led to forfeited second and third-round picks.
- Dodgers' selections dropped due to competitive balance tax penalties.
The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft commenced today, with the Los Angeles Dodgers slated to make their first selection at 40th overall. This position is familiar, as it's the same slot where they drafted catcher Dalton Rushing in 2022 and pitcher Zach Root in 2025. Both previous selections dropped 10 spots due to competitive balance tax penalties incurred the preceding years.
Dodgers' draft position was impacted by significant free agent signings. The team forfeited its second-round pick after signing closer Edwin Díaz and its third-rounder following Kyle Tucker's commitment. The Dodgers' original first-round pick would have been 30th overall, but it also dropped 10 spots due to exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold in 2025.
Draft coverage began Saturday morning, with the first 135 picks scheduled across four rounds. The Dodgers have two picks on the opening day, with their initial selection expected around 1:30 p.m. PT. The full draft, comprising 20 rounds, will conclude on Sunday.
