Hayden Yost, a former Florida Gators outfielder, has officially signed with the Seattle Mariners after being selected in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
A Late‑Round Surprise
The 162nd overall pick brings a blend of power and precision that stood out during his junior season, where he posted a .262 batting average, 10 home runs and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Yost’s collegiate résumé includes a sophomore campaign that earned him SEC Player of the Week honors, a freshman year that saw him hit .284 with four stolen bases, and a junior season that set career‑highs in slugging percentage and OPS.
Across 42 games in his junior year he slashed .262/.369/.589, adding 10 homers, five doubles, 23 RBI and three sacrifice flies while maintaining a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage over 70 defensive chances.
The deal he signed carries the slot value of $429,100, a figure that reflects the Mariners’ confidence in a player who was not listed among the top‑250 prospects heading into the draft.
While the financial terms are set, the organization has yet to disclose additional details of the contract, leaving fans eager to see how the young talent will adapt to the professional game.