FSU baseball in MLB draft 2026: Which players seemed destined for early rounds
· Yahoo Sports
Florida State baseball players can expect to be busy during the 2026 MLB Draft, with a significant portion of the roster potentially hearing their names called.
The Seminoles set a program record with 11 players selected in the 2025 draft, and that number could be reached, or even eclipsed, in the 2026 edition. While the season for FSU didn't end how the program wanted — a regional final exit to St. John's after going 40-19 in the regular season — the program had a talented squad that professional organizations will eye.
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FSU's potential draft picks include ace lefty pitcher Wes Mendes and superstar first baseman Myles Bailey, who will likely be a high overall draft pick despite his season-ending ankle injury in March. Here's a look at what to expect for FSU baseball players in the early rounds of the upcoming MLB Draft:
When is the 2026 MLB Draft?
The 2026 MLB Draft will coincide with the league's All-Star Week and take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, starting with the first four rounds on July 11. The action will start at 1 p.m.
Here is a full breakdown of the draft schedule.
- When: 1 p.m. July 11; 11:30 a.m. July 12
- Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
- Watch: Day 1, NBC/Peacock, MLB Network; Day 2, MLB.com
Watch the MLB draft on Fubo (free trial)
Projected early round draft picks for FSU baseball
Wes Mendes, LHP
2026 stats: 9-3 record, 2.90 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 93 IP, 125 K's, 25 BB, .207 opponent batting average
What to know: The ACC Pitcher of the Year, Mendes became one of the best pitchers in the country this season for FSU with his mid-90s cutter and fastball mix paring well with a devastating changeup. He can be a high-end starter if he lives up to his projection, and will likely be selected in the opening three rounds.
Myles Bailey, 1B
2026 stats: 26 games, .363 average, 1.495 OPS, 80 AB, 29 hits, 5 2B, 13 HR, 33 RBI, .915 SLG, 35 BB
What to know: Few, if any, hitters in college possess the power of Bailey. One of the nation's best home run hitters before his season-ending ankle injury in March, Bailey hit 13 home runs in 26 games while playing above-average defense at first base. His recovery from his ankle injury will be the biggest question teams want answered, but he will still hear his name called in the first two or three rounds of the draft as he possesses first-round talent.
Brayden Dowd, OF
2026 stats: 51 games, .293 average, .983 OPS, 184 AB, 54 H, 13 2B, 10 HR, 36 RBI, .537 SLG, 51 BB
What to know: Dowd was one of the top additions in the transfer portal for FSU, and he was asked to carry a lot of the offensive load after Bailey's injury. He consistently had the best at-bats on the team, and has good vision and plate discipline that pair with extra-base hit speed and power. He is more than capable in the field, and could be picked on Day 1 of the draft.
Trey Beard, LHP
2026 stats: 6-1 record, 4.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 68 IP, 97 Ks, 24 BB, .236 opponent batting average
What to know: While it wasn't the season many projected for Beard, the big lefty produced for FSU late in the season. His changeup remains his biggest weapon, and when it's on, it's one of the hardest pitches to hit in his arsenal. He can flash into the mid-90s with his fastball. Expect to see him drafted in the opening rounds.
John Abraham, RHP
2026 stats: 19 appearances, 6 SV, 1.91 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 47 IP, 58 Ks, 24 BB, .190 opponent batting average
What to know: John Abraham entered the 2026 season with the potential of being a starter for FSU, but instead he turned into one of the nation's most dominant relievers. His cutter brought him a lot of success alongside a fastball that hovered in the mid-90's region. While a reliever in college, he could project long-term as a starter at the next level.
Bryson Moore, RHP
2026 stats: 6-2 record, 3.86 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 67.2 IP, 65 K's, 25 BB, .230 opponent batting average
What to know: The righty is coming off his first full season of health at the collegiate level, and he finished the season strong. He has a fastball with some velocity, hitting 97, and a strong offspeed mix of a changeup and slider. The 6-foot-3 righty will likely fall past day one of the draft, but his wait won't be long on day two.
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU baseball in MLB draft 2026: Which players seemed destined for early rounds