The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft will kick off on Saturday, July 11, and Florida’s baseball program is poised to make a notable impact.
From June 23 to 26, the league will host its Draft Combine at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together the nation’s most promising prospects. This year, five Gators players and four high‑school signees have earned invitations, giving scouts a first‑hand look at the next wave of talent.
Among them, junior right‑hander Liam Peterson stands out as the Gators’ top MLB prospect. MLB.com places him at No. 14 overall, while Perfect Game ranks him 37th, underscoring his blend of velocity and command.
Peterson will be joined by teammates Russell Sandefer, Kyle Jones, Luke McNeillie and Ethan Surowiec, each of whom brings a distinct skill set to the mound. Their performances at the combine could shift their draft trajectories dramatically.
The event also showcases the incoming high‑school class, featuring Kevin Roberts Jr., Brady Harris, Brady Snow, Colin White and Keaton Neal. Perfect Game’s latest board ranks Roberts Jr. 42nd, Harris 63rd, Snow 122nd, White 145th and Neal 377th, while MLB.com’s composite list slots Jones at No. 127 and Roberts Jr. at No. 128.
Florida’s recent draft history adds context; since 2021 the state has produced 29 selections, reflecting a strong pipeline that continues to attract professional interest.
Scouting the Future
Scouts and analysts alike are watching the combine closely, knowing that a single standout outing can elevate a player dozens of spots in the final rankings. For the Gators, the exposure offers a chance to cement their reputation as a breeding ground for major‑league talent.