The Tampa Bay Rays announced today that 2026 first-round pick Grady Emerson has been assigned to Single-A Charleston and will make his professional debut this week at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
Emerson was selected second overall by Tampa Bay in last month’s MLB Draft, marking the highest selection by the organization since 2008. He signed with the Rays for $9.75 million, the largest signing bonus ever awarded to a high school player.
The 18-year-old shortstop currently ranks as the No. 10 overall prospect in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, and is the No. 1 prospect in the Rays organization.
The Texas native has collected numerous honors over the past year, including being named the Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year. He was also named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, becoming only the second high school player since 1948 to be nominated for the prestigious honor, joining fellow North Texas native Bobby Witt Jr.
After transferring to Fort Worth Christian High School for his senior season, Emerson batted .532 with a 1.013 slugging percentage, seven home runs and 21 stolen bases. He also finished his prep career as a four-time USA National Team selection and three-time gold medalist, representing the United States at the U-15 and U-18 levels.
Emerson is the first member of the Rays’ 2026 draft class to be assigned to Single-A Charleston. He joins a talented RiverDogs roster featuring six other Rays Top 30 prospects, including fellow infielder Cooper Flemming, who currently ranks as the No. 83 prospect in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
Emerson and the RiverDogs are preparing for the postseason and will begin a six-game series against the Hill City Howlers, the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. First pitch for game one on Tuesday is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:50 p.m. on the RiverDogs Broadcast Network.
Let Freedom Bark
After clinching the Carolina League South first half title, the RiverDogs have secured a spot in the 2026 postseason, presented by Nucor Steel Berkeley. The best-of-three Division Series begins on Tuesday, September 8. Thanks to their first-half division title, the RiverDogs are guaranteed to host Game 2, and, if necessary, Game 3, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on September 10 and 11.
Single-game postseason tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit RiverDogs.com.