Dodgers Enter 2026 MLB Draft with Reduced Capital After Free Agent Splurge

The 2026 MLB Draft commences on Saturday, covering the first 135 picks across four rounds. While the event typically offers franchises a chance to restock talent, the Los Angeles Dodgers will approach the draft with significantly fewer selections than usual.

The team’s draft capital has been diminished due to aggressive spending during the offseason. The organization forfeited their second-round choice after signing closer Edwin Díaz and surrendered their third-round pick upon acquiring outfielder Kyle Tucker. Both free agents had declined qualifying offers, triggering penalties under MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.

Further compounding the setback, the Dodgers’ initial first-round position has shifted downward. Originally slated to pick 30th overall, the team exceeded the third tier of the Competitive Balance Tax threshold in 2025. The resulting penalty pushed their selection back 10 spots to the 40th overall pick.

Picking 40th overall is becoming a pattern for the franchise. They previously held the same slot in 2022, using it to select catcher Dalton Rushing, and repeated the position in 2025 to draft pitcher Zach Root. In both previous instances, the 10-spot drop was a direct consequence of surpassing the luxury tax threshold in the preceding year.

Broadcasting arrangements for the draft highlight the current sports media landscape. Coverage begins at 10:00 a.m. PT on NBC and Peacock, platforms operated by Comcast Corporation. Following the first ten selections, coverage shifts to MLB Network for picks 11 through 40, roughly coinciding with when the Dodgers are expected to make their first selection. The remainder of the day’s events, through pick 135, will stream exclusively on MLB.com and MLB.tv.

For the Dodgers, the draft strategy on Day 1 will focus on maximizing value from their limited opportunities. Their second selection of the day will occur in the fourth round at pick number 132.

What to watch

• Upcoming earnings reports and guidance from Comcast Corporation regarding Peacock subscriber growth.
• MLB’s viewership numbers for the draft across NBC and streaming platforms.
• The Dodgers’ eventual bonus pool spending relative to their penalized position.

Source: original release