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2026 MLB Draft: Georgia Rapid Takeaways

July 14, 2026
Ian Smith
Assistant Scouting Director

The 2026 MLB Draft came through this past weekend like a whirlwind and yet another year with a banner showing from the state of Georgia.

11 total names from Georgia schools whether high school or college were selected on day one (Rounds 1-4) including the highest drafted Georgia high-schooler since 2022 with Trevor Condon going to the St. Louis Cardinals at 13th overall.

Day two held more of the same with players coming off at a rapid rate and would end up with a total of 38 players across the 20-round draft.

Standout showings from the two powerhouse in-state universities as Georgia (13) and Georgia Tech (8) combined for 21 total players drafted as well as the second year in a row with 12 prep players selected across the weekend.

Value was found throughout nearly every round, and let’s take a quick look at where this year’s class ended up alongside my short personal assessments and takeaways.

Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
Pick: 1st Round; 3rd Overall, Minnesota Twins

- I don’t think it’s bullish to say the Georgia Tech backstop is the best catching prospect drafted by the Twins since Joe Mauer in 2021. Why I’m not trying to call him a hall-of-famer (yet), there isn’t a box that Lackey doesn’t check and well-deserved for the reported 9.5 million dollar signing bonus. Uber-athletic with tools to be an above-average defender at multiple positions including 3B or even corner OF, but the staying power behind the plate is real. Bat improved across each year with it all coming together in 2026 as Lackey would slash .397/.519/.722 alongside 20 HR, 16 2B and 15 SB. I fully believe this is a first overall type of profile and can end up as legitimate steal just two picks later.

Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech
Pick: 1st Round; 8th Overall, Athletics

- With one of the most extensive track records of hitting out of anyone in this class, Burress left the 2023 draft betting on himself and ended up as maybe the most prolific power hitter in Georgia Tech history. Record-setting 60 HR over his time on the flats with an outlandish OPS north of 1.200 over that time. Burress slots into an Athletics organization that has found recent success with elite college talent in the draft in the likes of Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, among others and the former Super 60 standout could be put on a similar fast track. Powderkeg athletes with huge power and an above-average to plus glove in CF don’t come around every day and I think the A’s were ecstatic to see Burress on the board at 8.

Trevor Condon, OF, Etowah
Pick: 1st Round; 13th overall, St. Louis Cardinals

- From Future Games to Prep Baseball All-American to the 13th overall pick. Condon has been the epitome of hard work pays off these last couple years and a good reason why the outfielder became the highest selected Georgia prep since Druw Jones in 2022. This is as close to a five-tool profile as we’ve had in recent years highlighted by a future plus hit and speed tools with arm strength that points to a high-level future in CF. What takes his game to the next level is the makeup and born leader attitude that he brings to the field every single day. I’ve been as bullish as anyone could be on Condon since I stepped foot in Georgia three years ago and remain bullish for what’s to come at the next level.

Blake Bryant, RHP, Citizens Christian
Pick: Comp Balance A; 31st Overall, Arizona Diamondbacks

- Another Prep Baseball All-American in the first round and 2nd year in a row the Diamondbacks have taken a hard-throwing Georgia RHP in the early rounds (Dean Livingston, 4th Rd.). The ceiling for Bryant has a chance to be substantial as he’s just scratching the surface of his lean 6-foot-5 frame with high-level athleticism that shined recently at the combine. Fastball has already bumped 98 with much more in the tank and the entire mix has a chance to grade out as above-average or better at peak. Bryant offers the type of South Georgia makeup you want to bet on with the stuff to match.

Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia
Pick: Comp Balance A; 37th Overall, Colorado Rockies

- Two of the last three Golden Spikes winners have now both come out of Athens (Charlie Condon, ‘24) paired with going in the first-round to Colorado. Jackson put together one of the best all-time seasons this past spring, launching 32 HR alongside 26 SB and 1.276 OPS. The athlete behind the plate is as good as you’ll find in the class with a chance to also give you value in the outfield alongside showing the tools to stick at C. The power can be a carrying tool as a long-term 60 and it’s already easy to get excited for Jackson to send balls into orbit at Coors Field one day.

Jarren Advincula, 2B, Georgia Tech
Pick: 2nd Round; 45th Overall, Los Angeles Angels

- The Angels have been on a mission drafting fast-moving college prospects in the early rounds over the last few years and Advincula could have one of the best hit tools out of the group. In-zone coverage is immense with highest-level contact rates and advanced two-strike approach that makes the 2B nearly impossible to beat. Led the ACC with a .434 AVG. Defensive actions and range can keep Advincula at the keystone long-term with above-average upside in the glove. There’s a ton of similarities in the overall profile to current Marlins 2B Xavier Edwards and could bode extremely well in regards to the ceiling for Advincula.

Carson Kerse, SS, Georgia Tech
Pick: 2nd Round; 53rd Overall, Arizona Diamondbacks

- The path for Kerse developing into a 2nd round pick was a treat to see the last few springs. Swiss-army knife defender in the dirt that shows ability to be an above-average glove across the infield long-term with a hit tool that took a massive leap in 2026. Excellent in-zone contact rates backed by minimal chase and advanced accuracy in the barrel that drove triple-digits in a gap-to-gap approach. Highest-level gamer makeup with an equally high floor that could give the Kerse the chance to skyrocket through the lower levels.

Joey Volchko, RHP, Georgia
Pick: 3rd Round; 77th Overall, Chicago White Sox

- Volchko made an instant impact in his lone year with the Bulldogs as a steady presence in the weekend rotation and came through with a 15 K masterpiece to close his career in the College World Series. Pure stuff rivals anyone in the class with an upper-90s fastball that’s paired with two future plus secondaries in the 93-95 MPH cutter and mid-80s sweeper that both show elite spin metrics and can generate swing-and-miss at will. Control will determine where Volchko will end up long-term but there’s no question that the impact will be real in either the rotation or bullpen.

Keon Johnson, SS, First Presbyterian Day
Pick: 3rd Round; 93rd Overall, Houston Astros

- The former Future Gamer has held one of the highest floors in Georgia’s 2026 class for years with staying power in the dirt and plenty of projection in the athletic 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. High-floor tools across the board for Johnson with plenty to build on at the plate and if the strength in the frame continues to grow, this profile can grow into a much higher ceiling than 93rd overall. Work ethic has never been a question mark for the SS and will bring the makeup necessary to handle the challenges of rookie ball in South Florida.

Rylan Lujo, OF, Georgia
Pick: 4th Round; 109th Overall, Los Angeles Angels

- The Angels cap off their day one haul with a high-floor profile in Lujo, a draft-eligible sophomore that made huge strides across the board in his season with the Bulldogs including finishing 1st in SEC with a .397 AVG in conference play. Bat-to-ball skills are advanced with the ability to spray balls across the field from anywhere in the zone. Actions and instincts can keep the 2022 Future Gamer in CF long-term with value coming across the grass. High-floor athletes with up-the-middle capabilities and carrying hit tools is what takes draft classes to the next level, and Lujo looks to fit that profile to the fullest.

Wessley Roberson, OF, Glynn Academy
Pick: 4th Round; 115th Overall, Miami Marlins

- You want to take a chance on the athletes, and the toolset that Roberson offers here at pick 115 is tremendous. Plus-plus runner backed by a present plus arm and instincts that point to an above-average or better glove in CF. Left-handed cut shows great zone coverage paired with a keen eye that can point to a high-floor hit tool. Sneaky pull-side power will flash at times but gap-to-gap approach allows the speed to thrive. There are certain makeups and personalities that you can tell will thrive in pro ball and Roberson brings exactly what you need.

Alex Hernandez, 3B, Georgia Tech
Pick 5th Round; 143rd Overall, Athletics

- Hernandez walked onto campus as a pitching-forward two-way prospect but minor arm injury led to the draft-eligible sophomore being one of the Jackets most productive bats over the last two years, slashing .339/.435/.593 with 52 XBH and ACC Freshman of the Year honors in 2025. Longer path but creates length in-zone with ability to hunt velocity and carry balls to all-fields, and could be a power over hit long-term. Drafted as a third baseman where the arm strength is more than adequate with lateral actions to match and can profile at either corner OF spot as well. Two members of the best offense in BBCOR history head to the Athletics in the first 5 rounds.

Garrett Lambert, RHP, Mercer
Pick: 6th Round; 165th Overall, Colorado Rockies

- The rare draft-eligible redshirt freshman is coming off an outstanding season with the Bears and could have tremendous upside here in the middle rounds. Physical SP frame at 6-foot-2, 200-pound with above-average command that will raise the floor at the next level. Mid-90s fastball with some cut/ride action misses barrels in-zone and shows feel for a pair of distinct breaking balls to match. Mid-rotation arm at peak with a chance for even more if everything clicks.

Justin Byrd, RHP, Georgia
Pick: 6th Round; 170th Overall, Los Angeles Angels

- Byrd emerged as one of the Bulldogs most effective relievers down the stretch this spring but the chance for two above-average offerings with athleticism in the physical 6-foot-2 frame could allow the RHP to start at the next level. Fastball can be invisible at times at 95-97 with carry from a compact action and pairs with an above-average to plus slider that could get outs in AA today. Changeup development will be crucial in the overall ceiling but the pitchability is present and will bring a high-floor in any aspect.

AJ Rice, RHP, Pickens
Pick: 7th Round; 203rd Overall, Tampa Bay Rays

- Dissecting this pick over the last couple days, and it feels like an absolute steal anyway i look at it. The former Future Gamer and 2026 Prep Baseball Georgia POTY has put together one of the best track-records of any prep RHP in the class and pairs it with a deep, swing-and-miss pitch mix that can be taken to even higher level with the well-known Rays pitching lab. Rice has held mid-90s deep into outings despite a smaller frame with a clean, fast arm and ability to repeat extremely well that only raises the floor. It's a stoic, attacking demeanor that can be beneficial in handling the rigors of the back fields and brings the gamer makeup you want to bet on every time. A+ fit here for both Tampa Bay and Rice.

Caden Aoki, RHP, Georgia
Pick: 7th Round; 207th Overall, Texas Rangers

- When you can land this type of battle-tested pitchability in the middle rounds, it already feels like a win but the stuff and starters upside that Aoki brings only solidifies things. The RHP commands the deep mix extremely well backed by advanced sequencing that can keep hitters off-balance often. A bit undersized than your prototype SP profile but the floor for Aoki makes this value in the 7th round undeniable.

Dylan Vigue, RHP, Georgia
Pick: 7th Round; 209th Overall, Kansas City Royals

- Vigue brings starter experience in a stout 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame with aptitude for an above-average sinker/slider combo that could take an even bigger jump at the pro level. Changeup has flashed in the past and will be pivotal in Vigue reaching his ceiling as mid-to-backend SP but the floor is significant as a high-leverage reliever.

Ryan Wynn, SS, Georgia
Pick: 7th Round; 220th Overall, Seattle Mariners

- The former Wofford standout put together his best collegiate season in Foley Field this past spring with an OPS at 1.015 and 23 extra-base hits across 50 G. Versatile defensive profile with ability to give value across the dirt as well as potentially in a corner outfield spot. More floor than ceiling with this pick for the Mariners while potentially being under-slot as well.

Griffin Long, RHP, Sonoraville
Pick: 8th Round; 233rd Overall, Tampa Bay Rays

- I came into the weekend thinking that Long had day one upside, so Tampa Bay landing the RHP in the 8th could be one of my favorite middle round picks of the day. Excellent mover at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds with a deep pitch mix that only got better with every look this spring. Fastball shows ride in the low-to-mid 90s with a SL/CH combo that both offer as put-away pitches already and much more to tap into. At just 18.2, Long was one of the younger RHP in the class with a blend of stuff and athleticism that screams projection.

Kolby Branch, SS, Georgia
Pick: 8th Round; 237th Overall, Texas Rangers

- 4 straight years with 60+ hits while providing a high-level glove in the middle-infield and now gives the Rangers a great value pick at 237. A senior sign will save money instantly and can be a plug-and-play type in the lower levels. Branch is a certified winner with a high floor and heads back to his home state with a chance to give Texas plenty of value with this mid-round pick.

Matt Scott, RHP, Georgia
Pick: 8th Round, 243rd Overall, Cleveland Guardians

- The Guardians filled their quota of intriguing arms with huge stuff again in 2026 and Scott fits that mold to a tee. XL 6-foot-7 frame working from a high slot paired with an upper-90s fastball with carry and swing-and-miss splitter. Command has been an issue throughout his college career but Cleveland has worked their magic on this type of profile before and could have a path to a high-leverage arm.

Tre Phelps, OF/3B, Georgia
Pick: 9th Round; 258th Overall, Pittsburgh Pirates

- Phelps rounds out a total of 7 Bulldogs over a 3-round span and puts to rest lots of rumors about returning to Athens for his senior season. The question marks surrounding the long-term defense allowed for the Pirates to find significant value here as all Phelps has done the last three years is hit. Career 1.059 OPS with 43 HR, 36 2B over 157 G and even if his future ends up in LF, the bat will carry long-term.

Parker Brosius, OF, Georgia Tech
Pick: 9th Round; 262nd Overall, Atlanta Braves

- Post-Grad Brosius was a sight to see as the outfielder would hit 10 HR in 14 G as the Jackets closed out the spring. High-floor profile buoyed by a strong power/speed combo, the outfielder has the ability to offer above-average value across the grass at the next level. Career .923 OPS over 184 G at Tech and gets to stay close to home with the ability to step into lineup in Augusta or Rome in no time.

Chris Katz, 1B, Mercer
Pick: 9th Round; 266th Overall, Arizona Diamondbacks

- Landing a power-hitting data darling that also potentially saves money as a 5th year senior and has upside to tap into feels like a near-steal here in the middle-rounds for the DBacks. After some part-time years at Wake, Katz would thrive in his final year with Mercer, producing a 1.301 OPS with 23 HR, 18 2B, 74 RBI and 2:1 BB:K across 59 G. A corner OF/1B type at the next level but real power with immense discipline that could allow Katz to move quickly in lower-levels. All in on this pick and fit.

Martin Shelar, OF, Marist
Pick: 9th Round; 274th Overall, Boston Red Sox

- A few years back the Red Sox went huge over-slot with Georgia prep in the middle-rounds with Conard Cason in 2024 and history appears to be repeating itself with Boston taking the Mississippi State commit in the 9th round. Shelar led the country in HR this past spring with 19 and offers some of the best raw power out of any prep in this year’s draft class. There’s plus arm strength and athleticism in the stout 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame that points to a power-hitting corner OF long-term. While it might take 3rd-4th round type of money to get this deal done, the Red Sox planned accordingly and look poised to lock down for the former Future Gamer.

Tate McKee, RHP, Georgia Tech
Pick: 10th Round; 293rd Overall, Tampa Bay Rays

- Landing a 3-year weekend starter in the 10th round feels like a win anyway you shake it as the Rays went very pitcher heavy with their day two approach. Over 200 innings over his career at Georgia Tech armed with a durable 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame and kitchen sink pitch mix that can allow for a significant floor. Rays player development seem to maximize talent often and McKee brings the work ethic to match.

Wills McGinnis, SS, Georgia State
Pick: 11th Round; 334th Overall, Boston Red Sox

- With a commitment to Arkansas and sophomore eligibility, Maginnis came into the draft holding some leverage and feels like good value at pick 334 for the Red Sox. Positional flexibility in the dirt with some athleticism and twitch in the long 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame. Improved across all facets over his 2nd year at Georgia State and finished 2026 with 1st-team all Sun-Belt honors. Love the value here in the 11th.

Jacob Sammis, RHP, Glynn Academy
Pick: 12th Round; 349th Overall, Los Angeles Angels

- I mentioned Sammis as a potential late-round name in the Peach State Primer earlier this week and the Angels take a chance on the raw arm talent here in the 12th. Up to 95 at times this spring backed by whippy arm speed and athleticism in the 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame. More of a thrower than a pitcher at this point in his development with plenty more to unlock at the next level. A high-floor class early for the Angels allows for this type of risk/reward here in the 12th with the Western Carolina commit.

Caleb Jameson, LHP, Georgia
Pick: 12th Round; 356th Overall, Arizona Diamondbacks

- Prototype late-round relief arm in Jameson that can provide immediate impact in a minor-league bullpen while providing financial relief as a senior sign in the 12th. Hides the ball well while creating deception with the mid-to-mid 90s fastball and pairs with a sweeper and cutter that both hold distinct shapes. There’s value in this role year after year and will raise the floor on this Diamondbacks draft class only further.

Kenny Ishikawa, LHP/OF, Georgia

Pick: 13th Round; 392nd Overall, Cincinnati Reds

- One of the players to earn “TWP’ on their draft card, and Ishikawa brings a real floor on both sides of the ball that can end up being a steal at pick 392. Bat-to-ball skills and zone awareness stand out as he ran a near 3:1 BB:K rate this spring with .947 OPS in 160 PA. Arm talent from the left-side is very real with ability to reach the mid-90s when harnessed and could have high-leverage relief upside if everything were to click.

Miguel Hugas, RHP, Mercer
Pick: 14th Round; 410th Overall, Baltimore Orioles

- The former JUCO bandit fits the recent Orioles late-round strategy of big-bodied projection arms to a tee. An up-and-down spring in a starting role with the Bears, posting a 6.17 ERA across 77.1 IP but the stuff is loud in a stout 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and could be looked upon in a future relief role going forward.

Cam Jackson, SS, Georgia Premier Academy
Pick: 15th Round; 439th Overall, Los Angeles Angels

- Back-to-back years the Angels make a high-upside, switch-hitting selection out of the Peach State in the 14th round following OF T.J Ford last year. Jackson, the Oklahoma commit could have some signability concerns but this feels like it could get done. Still raw as a complete package, but has shown flashes of a strong hit tool from both sides with value long-term in the dirt. Value is obvious in the 14th round and looks to follow in the footsteps of former Georgia Premier standout in Raudi Rodriguez, who’s blossomed in the Angels minor league system.

Porter Buursema, RHP, Georgia Tech
Pick: 15th Round; 475th Overall, Miami Marlins

- The pitching lab for the Marlins organization has been well-regarded in recent years and can be the perfect fit to maximize the outlandish pure stuff that Buursema has flashed in the past. 99 MPH bowling ball sinkers with potential for multiple plus secondaries is in the tank if the command issues can be tamed and that alone offers plenty of value in the 15th round.

Isaiah Galason, SS, Houston County
Pick: 17th Round; 496th Overall, Washington Nationals

- Will be an interesting next couple of days here as the Nationals had a middle-level bonus pool this year, so signability for the Georgia Tech commit could get tricky here in the 17th round. Galason brings a higher upside hit tool with positional flexibility that could garner middle-round type of money.

Nathan Helman, RHP, Kennesaw State

Pick: 17th Round; 498th Overall, Pittsburgh Pirates

- The streak continues for the Owls as Helman makes 18th straight drafts with a Kennesaw State player drafted. High-leverage reliever throughout his career with 40 K in 31.0 IP this past spring and likely projects at a similar capacity at the next level.

Malachi Washington, OF, Parkview
Pick: 18th Round, 528th Overall, Pittsburgh Pirates

- This fits under the “insurance pick” label as Washington would announce shortly after the pick that the outfielder will be heading to LSU and further strengthens the immense 2026 recruiting class that Head Coach Jay Johnson looks to be getting to campus in Baton Rouge.

Marcus Ward, OF, King’s Ridge
Pick: 18th Round; 540th Overall, New York Mets

- Mets take a chance on a high-level athlete here with the Western Carolina commit. Ward has shown a spark-plug, leadoff profile for years now with a chance for a higher-floor hit tool and ability to maintain plus speed long-term. Long-term CF potential with a great chance to sign is always going to be high value in the late rounds.

Brennan Hudson, C, Georgia
Pick: 20th Round; 607th Overall, Chicago Cubs

- Hudson would close out the highly-drafted draft for the Bulldogs as the 13th player from this year’s College World Series team. The senior put together his best season in 2026, slashing .294/.466/.730 with 22 HR and near 1:1 BB:K ratio in 223 PA. Projects as immediate depth at the lower levels with a high-floor and raw power from the left-side.