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Three current Florida players and a signed recruit were selected among the first four rounds of the 2026 MLB Draft, highlighting the Gators’ depth and the influence of coach Kevin O’Sullivan.
The opening round of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered surprise moves, injury‑related drops and a handful of Texas‑bound prospects who could reshape the next wave of talent.
UNC sophomore right‑hander Ryan Lynch was selected 97th overall by the San Diego Padres, capping a college career marked by innings pitched, strikeouts and a shutout in the NCAA Tournament.
Ryan Lynch, a sophomore right‑hander from UNC, was selected 97th overall in the 2026 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, capping a season that saw him post a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts.
Grady Emerson, a standout from Argyle, Texas, was drafted second overall by the Tampa Bay Rays, bringing a blend of hitting prowess, defensive skill and international experience to the organization.
Carbino Club/Archbald rolled past Green Ridge 11-0, fueled by strong hitting from Enzo Nicastro and a grand slam by Elio Brunori, while pitcher Talon Prutzman stifled the opposition.
Day one of the 2026 MLB Draft saw six Vanderbilt signees selected, highlighting a top‑ranked class that still holds several high‑profile names on the board.
Three University of Georgia baseball players were selected in the first four rounds of the MLB Draft, capping a record‑breaking season for the Bulldogs.
Jason DeCaro, a junior right‑hander from the University of North Carolina, was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 80th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, wrapping up a three‑year stint that included an 11‑3 record, a 2.87 ERA and a projected slot value of $1.03 million.
TCU standout Chase Brunson was selected 42nd overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a three‑year college career that featured All‑Big 12 honors and impressive offensive numbers.
The Boston Red Sox chose UNC outfielder Owen Hull with the 67th overall pick, capping a season in which he led the Tar Heels in batting, OPS and RBIs and helped the team reach the College World Series.
The Minnesota Twins selected Texas catcher Carson Tinney in the 2026 MLB draft, highlighting his collegiate achievements and the challenges he faced in the College World Series.
Two University of Kansas standouts become the highest-drafted position player and right-handed pitcher in school history, highlighting a program on the rise.
UNC junior shortstop Jake Schaffner was drafted 20th overall by the Boston Red Sox, marking the highest pick for the Tar Heels since 2017 and securing a $4.37 million slot value.
Catcher Daniel Jackson, pitcher Joey Volchko and outfielder Rylan Lujo were all chosen among the early picks, underscoring the University of Georgia’s sustained excellence and its record‑setting 53‑win campaign.
Aiden Robbins, a standout outfielder for the Texas Longhorns, was chosen in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, capping a collegiate career that saw him lead the team in numerous offensive categories.
Russell Sandefer, a right‑handed pitcher from Tampa, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the recent MLB Draft, a pick that carries a slot value of $575,300. After a standout season with the Florida Gators, he transitioned from a bullpen role to a weekend starter, logging 12 starts and 19 appearances while posting a 4.42 earned run average across 57 innings. The 22‑year‑old consistently throws in the mid‑90s, topping out at 99 miles per hour, and relies on a sharp sweeper and a deceptive changeup to keep hitters off balance. His most memorable outing came against Ole Miss, where he delivered seven innings of work, striking out 11 batters and setting career highs for both innings pitched and strikeouts. Prior to Florida, Sandefer honed his craft at Saint Leo University and the University of Central Florida, where he posted a 3.38 ERA and compiled a 39‑to‑4 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio over 11 games at Saint Leo, and 49 strikeouts against 19 walks in more than 50 innings at UCF. The Dodgers view Sandefer as a high‑upside piece for their developing rotation, betting that his fastball velocity and secondary pitches will translate well to professional competition. With a track record of durability and a proven ability to perform in clutch moments, he joins a pipeline that has recently produced major‑league talent such as Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson. Scouts have noted the Tampa native’s poise on the mound and his willingness to attack the strike zone, traits that could accelerate his ascent through the minor leagues. If he continues to refine command and maintain health, a debut in Los Angeles could materialize within the next two seasons.
Hudson Calhoun, a standout pitcher from the University of Mississippi, was selected 117th overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking the latest in a series of Ole Miss arms to hear their names called on the first day of the draft.
The Seattle Mariners selected Trevor Lucas with the 129th overall pick, marking a historic moment for UNC Wilmington baseball and the Seahawks program.
Deven Sheerin, a 20‑year‑old LSU pitcher, was selected 128th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, joining a wave of Tigers talent heading to the majors.
The Cleveland Guardians rewarded Florida standout Liam Peterson with the 19th overall pick, rewarding his 4.59 ERA and 111 strikeouts with a $4.53 million slot value.
Day one of the 2026 MLB draft highlighted two former Commodores — Zion Rose, a sixth‑overall pick with a .417 average, and Deven Sheerin, a late‑round reliever whose 96.5 mph fastball impressed the Phillies.
The 2026 MLB Draft saw several Alabama-linked players chosen early, highlighting the state’s growing influence on the sport.
Junior outfielder Brendan Brock was chosen in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, capping a breakout college season that helped the University of Oklahoma capture a national title.