The 2026 MLB Draft will open this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, marking the start of a three‑day event that draws the nation’s top amateur talent into the spotlight.
Florida continues to be a hotbed for future major‑league stars, and this year’s crop features several standout players who are expected to hear their names early in the first round.
Florida’s top prospects
Right‑handed pitcher Liam Peterson from Palm Harbor is projected as a first‑round pick after a dominant junior season, while fellow arm Russell Sandefer posted a 3‑2 record and a 4.42 ERA.
Another junior righty, Luke McNeillie, finished the year with a career‑low 3.97 ERA, giving scouts another arm to watch.
Utility player Caden McDonald earned Second Team All‑American honors, and outfielder Kyle Jones led the Gators in doubles, stolen bases and multi‑hit games.
Senior infielder Ethan Surowiec topped the team in hits, batting average, RBI and total bases, while senior outfielder Blake Cyr set career highs in several categories.
The draft will run from 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 12, and coverage will be split among NBC, Peacock, the MLB Network and MLB.com.
Baseball America, Perfect Game and the NCBWA have all been tracking these players throughout the season, providing the depth of analysis fans have come to expect.