Dodgers capitalize on questionable Red Sox draft decision with Corey Seager-esque prep bat

The Dodgers were perhaps the only team in baseball who could afford to go into the 2026 MLB Draft without much of a strategy.

Of course, the Dodgers are among the game's best in scouting and player development, but their major league team is overwhelmingly made up of free agent signings with long-term contracts over homegrown players. They weren't coming into the draft looking for a player they could expedite through the minors and save the franchise; they were looking for a player with a high ceiling but who they could afford to take their time on.

On Day 1 of the draft, that came in the form of prep shortstop/third baseman Bo Lowrance. The Dodgers selected him at No. 40 overall in the second round. Baseball America had him ranked as their No. 38 draft prospect, but MLB Pipeline was higher on him at No. 21.

In their last mock draft, BA had Lowrance being taken by the division rival Padres with the No. 21 pick, but noted that the Red Sox had also been interested in him for some time. Instead, Boston went with college shortstop Jake Schaffner, who MLB Pipeline had as their No. 75 draft prospect.

Dodgers take prep shortstop/third baseman Bo Lowrance with pick No. 40 in second round of 2026 MLB Draft

There's something reminiscent of Corey Seager in Lowrance's swing (and his face, if you squint). If the Dodgers are also seeing any of that in him, no wonder they used one of their only Day 1 picks on him.

Again, the Dodgers don't always have a clear-cut strategy on draft day, but they certainly do have a certain philosophy. They haven't made a top-20 pick since Gavin Lux in 2016. This is a small price to pay when the Dodgers are spending the money it requires to win championships, but it doesn't mean that they take the draft lightly.

The Dodgers usually take guys like Lowrance, who were widely expected to go earlier in the draft but were passed over because of yellow flags that might've looked red to other teams, because they can afford to be patient and work out a player's kinks slowly.

There is no rush for Lowrance in the major leagues. Mookie Betts will be at shortstop for the forseeable future. But could he be a future Max Muncy replacement? A long-term second baseman? Maybe. The Dodgers have a long time to figure it out.

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