Here’s what I found. It is a draft lottery for the top 6 picks. I was wrong and the Sox wouldn’t automatically get the 1st pick, but finishing with the worst record in baseball would increase their chances of getting the #1 pick and a higher pick overall.
“The MLB draft order is determined by a combination of factors, including a lottery for the first six picks, reverse order of regular season records for non-playoff teams, and postseason finish for playoff teams.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Draft Lottery:
The first six picks are determined by a lottery, where teams that didn't make the playoffs are assigned odds based on their previous season's record. The team with the worst record doesn't automatically get the top pick; the lottery ensures a degree of randomness.
2. Reverse Order of Standings:
For the remaining picks (7-18), the draft order follows the reverse order of the previous season's standings among non-playoff teams.
3. Postseason Finish:
Once the lottery and non-playoff teams have picked, the 12 postseason teams take their turns in order of their elimination in the playoffs, with the World Series champion picking last.
4. Additional Factors:
Revenue sharing status and competitive balance picks can also affect the draft order.”