The University of Florida announced that every member of its 2026 baseball draft class has now signed professional contracts, completing a sweep that includes six Gators selections plus a high‑school prospect.
Draft Signings Lock In Bonuses
The agreements blend slot‑value expectations with market‑driven over‑payments, most conspicuously in the deal for Kevin Roberts Jr., who received a $1 million bonus that exceeds his assigned slot by more than $288,000.
Liam Peterson, the right‑hander chosen 19th overall by the Cleveland Guardians, secured a $4.53 million contract, illustrating the premium placed on top‑round talent.
Other draftees also locked in notable figures: Kyle Jones, the 102nd pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, agreed to $650,000; Russell Sandefer, a right‑hander selected 132nd by the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed for $434,000; Luke McNeillie, the 152nd pick of the New York Mets, received $472,500; and Hayden Yost, chosen 162nd by the Seattle Mariners, inked a $415,000 contract.
Blake Cyr, a 548th‑overall selection of the New York Yankees, received a $150,000 bonus, while catcher Karson Bowen made history as the first Gator to sign an undrafted free‑agent deal with the Texas Rangers since 2022.
The signings add to Florida’s recent draft pedigree — the program has produced 21 first‑round picks historically and at least five selections in each of the past four years — and signal a continued pipeline of talent heading into professional baseball.
A Milestone for the Program
Bowen’s undrafted free‑agent agreement marks a rare occurrence, being the first such deal for a Florida player in the past two draft cycles, highlighting the program’s growing appeal beyond traditional draft rounds.