The Baltimore Orioles announced on Tuesday that they had chosen Kevin Roberts Jr., a 6‑foot‑5 outfielder from Jackson Prep in Mississippi, with the 110th overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. The move marks the second straight year a Mississippi high‑school star has been taken in the first two rounds, following Konnor Griffin’s ninth‑overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024.
Roberts, who has already committed to playing college baseball at the University of Florida, finished his senior season with a .396 batting average, 40 hits, 34 runs batted in and 10 home runs, numbers that helped him earn a spot on the Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen and Large Class All‑State teams. MLB.com had ranked him as the 136th prospect in the draft, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his physical tools.
Scouts have praised the power behind his swing and the arm strength that comes with his lanky frame, noting that his size contributes to both bat speed and outfield range. However, they also pointed out that his pitch selection could be refined, especially against breaking balls, and that he sometimes chases fastballs outside the strike zone.
The slot value attached to the 110th pick is $711,800, a figure that will shape the financial terms of his signing bonus. If he signs, Roberts will join a growing list of Mississippi products who have made the jump to professional baseball, a trend that began with Griffin’s high‑profile selection three years ago.
Beyond the numbers, Roberts’ journey reflects a broader narrative of talent emerging from the state’s high‑school baseball programs. His achievement has been celebrated by local media, including the Clarion Ledger, which highlighted his status as the fourth‑highest‑rated prospect in the state according to MLB.com.
Scouting Outlook
Analysts suggest that, with continued development, Roberts could become a cornerstone outfielder for the Orioles, provided he can translate his raw power into consistent production at the higher levels of competition.