A season of brilliance
The 2026 high school baseball season in Florida has been marked by a remarkable crop of pitchers, each delivering performances that have captured the attention of scouts and fans alike.
A statewide poll organized by MLB.com and Perfect Game USA is now deciding the state’s Pitcher of the Year, a title that celebrates not only individual excellence but also the growing prominence of high school baseball in the region. Voting remains open until July 26, with the winner to be announced the following week.
The ten nominees hail from schools across the state and each brings a distinct story of dominance on the mound. Their statistics reflect a blend of raw talent, strategic preparation and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that have defined the season’s narrative.
Among the standouts, Gio Rojas of Stoneman Douglas led his team to a Class 7A state championship, finishing the year with an 11‑1 record and a microscopic 0.58 ERA. Coleman Borthwick of South Walton posted an unbeaten 11‑0 run with a 0.21 ERA, while Kaden Waechter of Tampa Jesuit recorded 82 strikeouts en route to a Class 4A title.
Other notable arms include Brayden Harris of St. Johns Country Day, who amassed 165 strikeouts in a 12‑2 season, and Max Sakala of Orangewood Christian, whose 125 strikeouts helped his squad reach the Class 1A championship game. J.T. Costello of Bishop Moore, Mathew Altman of Gaither, Carter Cox of Venice and Wilson Andersen of Tampa Jesuit round out a field that reads like a who’s who of elite high school pitching.
Beyond the numbers, each pitcher has signaled where they plan to continue their careers, committing to programs ranging from Florida State University and the University of Miami to Mississippi State University and St. John’s River State College. These choices underscore the pathway from high school stardom to collegiate competition.
The bigger picture
The poll serves a dual purpose: it honors the athletes’ achievements and fuels excitement for the upcoming college season, reinforcing the role of high school sports as a vital incubator for future talent.