The 2026 Major League Baseball draft has already begun to ripple through the baseball community, and a surprising number of prospects with roots in Macon, Georgia, are among the names called.
Macon’s Draft Impact
Keon Johnson, a shortstop who starred at First Presbyterian Day School, was selected 93rd overall by the Houston Astros. Astros amateur scoring director Cam Pendino praised Johnson’s bat‑to‑ball skills and disciplined approach, noting his .540 average, 63 runs and 13 doubles in his senior season.
Another local arm, former Tattnall pitcher Benjamin Stubbs, came off the board in the ninth round for the San Diego Padres. Stubbs logged a 5.12 ERA over 95 innings for Troy, bringing a mix of durability and upside to a Padres system that has historically turned late‑round pitchers into reliable starters.
College Standouts
From Mercer University, redshirt freshman pitcher Garrett Lambert was taken in the third round by the Colorado Rockies. In 71 innings he posted a 4.31 ERA and struck out 90 batters before announcing his transfer to Alabama, a move that could reshape his development path.
North Carolina native Chris Katz, who slugged 23 home runs and posted a .389 average with an OPS of 1.301 for Mercer, was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth round. His power numbers and high‑on‑base skills made him an attractive target for a Diamondbacks franchise looking to replenish its outfield depth.
Southpaw Miguel Hugas, a Venezuelan prospect, found a home with the Baltimore Orioles in the 14th round. The Orioles’ scouting department praised his command and projectable frame, seeing him as a potential left‑handed reliever.
Summer League Contributions
The Macon Bacon, a collegiate summer league team, contributed four draftees — Sherman Johnson, Isaiah Galason and Ben Tryon — underscoring the region’s depth of talent across both high school and college circuits.
Future Implications
These selections reflect a broader trend of Georgia’s baseball infrastructure producing major‑league‑ready talent. Schools such as First Presbyterian Day School and universities like Troy University and Mercer University continue to feed professional pipelines, while the state’s summer leagues provide a crucible for player development.
Draft Outlook
With the Astros, Padres, Diamondbacks and Orioles each adding local prospects, the early projections suggest that Macon’s influence will be felt beyond the first round, potentially shaping the next wave of All‑Star candidates.