San Diego Padres' biggest surprise from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft

The San Diego Padres have plenty of picks to play with at the 2026 MLB Draft. AJ Preller wasted no time, though, surprising Friars fans on Saturday in Philadelphia.

After drafting Coleman Borthwick — a 6-foot-6 prep pitcher — 21st overall, Preller opted to continue the high school route in the second round. But the team's ultimate choice came to a bit of a surprise.

The Padres drafted Elliot Lascelles 60th overall in the second round out of Upper Canada College High School in Ontario, Canada. The Canadian-born shortstop was ranked 158th overall by MLB.com, but the Padres took him nearly 100 spots above expectation. The pick was definitely a head-scratcher, but his experience against pro arms might have been too good to pass up.

Padres select Elliot Lascelles in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft

Lascelles was expected to be a Day 2 selection, but the Yale commit showed an early ability to hit good pitching. Within the last year, he played for the Toronto Mets in the Canadian Premier Baseball League, as well as the Canadian Junior National Team.

He played well enough in those games to receive an invite to the MLB Draft League in early 2026. He hit .389 in the Draft League, which earned him a 55-grade hit tool. He used to run track and field, too, so he has a 55-grade run tool.

So, maybe Preller and Co. didn't completely over-reach for Lascelles, but it still came to a surprise. The next 11 picks after Lascelles were all ranked above him by MLB.com, including two infielders.

The Padres then wrapped up Day 1 by taking UNC right-handed pitcher Ryan Lynch in the third round (97th overall), George Washington catcher Robbie Lavey in the fourth round (124th overall), and Oklahoma State outfielder Alex Conover in the compensation fourth round (134th overall). Each player was taken higher than their MLB.com ranking, but Lascelles had the widest margin on Saturday.

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