Key Takeaways
- Florida State University (FSU) is poised to match or exceed its 2025 draft haul of 11 selections, with head coach Link Jarrett anticipating another strong showing in the 2026 MLB Draft.
- The draft class will be led by ACC Pitcher of the Year Wes Mendes and first‑baseman Myles Bailey, both of whom were standout performers in the 2025 season.
- Additional Seminoles expected to hear their names called include left‑hander Trey Beard, right‑handers Bryson Moore and John Abraham, rounding out a deep pitching rotation.
- High‑school talent is also in the mix, highlighted by middle‑infielder Landon Thome, whom MLB.com ranks as the 34th‑best prospect nationally.
- Drafted players are not obligated to sign; they may return to school, making the July 27 signing deadline a pivotal moment for Bailey’s decision to turn pro or stay for a third season.
- The 2026 MLB Draft unfolds over two days: rounds 1‑4 on Saturday, July 11, and rounds 5‑20 on Sunday, July 12, with detailed broadcast windows on NBC/Peacock, MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB+.
- Tomahawk Nation will provide live updates on selections and signings throughout the event.
FSU’s baseball program enters the 2026 MLB Draft with momentum built from a record‑setting 2025 class in which 11 Seminoles heard their names called. Head coach Link Jarrett and his staff are optimistic that the upcoming draft could produce a comparable, if not larger, number of selections. The expectation stems from a deep roster that combined elite collegiate performance with promising high‑school talent, positioning Florida State as one of the more attractive sources of draft‑eligible players for MLB clubs seeking both immediate impact and long‑term upside.
At the forefront of the Seminoles’ draft appeal are two 2025 standouts: Wes Mendes, who earned ACC Pitcher of the Year honors, and Myles Bailey, a power‑hitting first‑baseman whose offensive production helped drive FSU’s success last season. Mendes’ combination of velocity, command, and secondary pitches makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a front‑of‑the‑rotation arm, while Bailey’s bat‑speed and plate discipline have drawn interest from clubs in need of a corner infielder with upside. Both players are projected to be selected within the early rounds, though exact slots will depend on team needs and the overall talent pool.
Beyond the headliners, FSU’s pitching depth appears poised to yield additional picks. Left‑hander Trey Beard, who logged solid innings as a weekend starter, and right‑handers Bryson Moore and John Abraham—each of whom showed flashes of dominance in relief and starting roles—are expected to hear their names called during the draft. Moore’s hard‑throwing repertoire and Abraham’s developing breaking ball give them profiles that appeal to clubs seeking high‑ceiling arms that can be refined in professional systems. Beard’s left‑handedness adds a valuable commodity, as left‑handed pitchers often command premium interest due to their relative scarcity.
The Seminoles also bring high‑school talent into the draft conversation. Middle‑infielder Landon Thome, a versatile defender capable of playing both shortstop and second base, has garnered attention for his advanced hit tool and athleticism. MLB.com’s ranking of Thome as the 34th‑best prospect in the 2026 class underscores the belief that he could be a early‑day‑two selection, potentially slipping into the compensatory round or even the late first round if a team values his defensive versatility and offensive projection. Thome’s presence highlights FSU’s ability to attract and develop prep talent that can transition smoothly to collegiate baseball and, ultimately, to professional ranks.
An essential nuance of the MLB Draft is that selection does not automatically equate to a signed contract. Drafted players retain the option to return to school or negotiate with another club, a flexibility that can significantly influence a player’s trajectory. For Myles Bailey, the July 27 signing deadline will be a decisive moment. Should he elect to sign, he would forgo his remaining college eligibility and embark on a professional career; alternatively, returning to FSU for a third season would allow him to refine his game, potentially improve his draft stock, and contribute to the Seminoles’ pursuit of another ACC title. The decision will be weighed against factors such as offered signing bonuses, projected minor‑league trajectory, personal development goals, and family considerations.
The 2026 MLB Draft itself is structured over two days to accommodate the expansive pool of prospects. On Saturday, July 11, rounds 1‑4 will unfold, beginning with a preview show from 1:00‑2:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock, followed by the first ten picks, then picks 11‑40 on MLB Network and associated streaming platforms, and concluding with picks 41‑135 on MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB+. The following day, Sunday, July 12, will host rounds 5‑20 from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast exclusively via MLB’s digital properties. This schedule ensures that fans can follow the action in real time, whether through traditional cable feeds or streaming services.
Throughout the draft, Tomahawk Nation will deliver live updates on each selection, tracking which Seminoles hear their names called and monitoring the signing status of those who are drafted. The coverage will provide context on pick values, analytical insights into how each player’s skill set aligns with team needs, and post‑draft reactions from coaches, players, and analysts. As the July 27 signing deadline approaches, continued reporting will clarify which prospects opt to sign professional contracts and which choose to return to Tallahassee for another season of collegiate competition.
In summary, the 2026 MLB Draft presents a significant opportunity for Florida State to showcase the depth and quality of its baseball program. With a blend of proven collegiate stars like Mendes and Bailey, reliable rotation arms such as Beard, Moore, and Abraham, and promising high‑school talent like Thome, the Seminoles are well positioned to hear multiple names called across the draft’s two days. The ensuing signing period will be pivotal, shaping the immediate futures of these athletes and influencing the trajectory of FSU baseball in the seasons to come.