A Draft to Remember
The 2026 MLB Draft proved to be a watershed moment for Florida State baseball, as seven of its recent standouts earned selections, marking the third straight season the Seminoles have placed at least three players among the first three rounds.
Among the names called was pitcher Wes Mendes, who slipped to the Houston Astros at the 57th overall pick in the second round, while first baseman Myles Bailey followed at 75th overall with the Chicago Cubs. Right‑hander Brayden Dowd was taken 88th by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and fifth‑round talent Trey Beard found a home with the Miami Marlins, followed by seventh‑round pick Bryson Moore joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. Late‑round gems Cole Stokes and Brodie Purcell were respectively drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cincinnati Reds.
Coach Link Jarrett, who took the helm in 2023, has been credited with turning the program into a premier developer of professional talent. Under his guidance the Seminoles have logged multiple first‑round selections in consecutive years and have now achieved the unprecedented feat of drafting at least seven players in three straight seasons.
The cascade of picks reflects more than just individual success; it signals the program’s resurgence on the national stage and its role as a conduit to the majors. Fans and analysts alike note that the draft class not only adds to recent milestones but also cements Florida State’s reputation as one of the country’s most reliable pipelines to professional baseball.
Looking Ahead
With the draft behind them, the focus shifts to how these emerging players will translate their collegiate performance into impact at the professional level. The organization’s depth chart is already buzzing with anticipation, and the next few seasons could see several of these prospects making rapid ascents through the minor leagues.