The 2026 MLB Draft has turned into a showcase for South Texas, as a cluster of hometown prospects heard their names called across a dozen selections.
Camden Johnson’s Milestone
Camden Johnson, a Boerne native who starred for the Oklahoma Sooners, was selected by the Kansas City Royals. He capped his college career as the program’s all‑time hits leader, batting .298 for the season while earning praise for his agile glove work at shortstop.
Ryan Peterson from Shiner became the first local player drafted, setting the tone for a Texas‑heavy class that would stretch across multiple rounds.
Chase Mora, a Texas State alumnus, was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth round, while Mason Bixby, a graduate of Johnson High School, found a home with the Tampa Bay Rays in the 14th round.
From the University of Texas at San Antonio, Connor Kelly joined the Toronto Blue Jays in the 14th round and Robert Orloski headed to the Los Angeles Angels in the 16th round.
Rashawn Galloway, also from Boerne, was selected by the Houston Astros in the 16th round, and Lane Haworth, another UTSA product, was picked by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 18th round.
A Regional Celebration
The cascade of selections reflects a growing pipeline of talent nurtured in small Texas towns, drawing attention from scouts and fans alike. Local schools and community programs are poised to benefit from the heightened visibility, potentially sparking a new generation of players eager to follow in these draft‑class footsteps.