Florida Gators complete 2026 MLB Draft signings
Top pick Liam Peterson agrees to full slot value with Cleveland Guardians as University of Florida programme extends its record of producing first-round selections.
The University of Florida baseball programme has finalised the professional contracts of seven prospects following the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. The group comprises six university players and one high school signee, with the final agreement reached on Friday, 24 July 2026.
Liam Peterson, the right-hander selected 19th overall by the Cleveland Guardians, was the last to sign. Peterson agreed to the full slot value of $4,530,500, marking the highest selection for the Gators in this year’s draft.
High school signee Roberts, chosen 110th overall by the Baltimore Orioles, signed for $1 million. This figure exceeds the assigned slot value of $711,800 for his selection.
Other university signees negotiated deals below their respective slot values. Kyle Jones, selected 102nd by the Milwaukee Brewers, signed for $650,000 against a slot value of $770,600. Sandefer, taken 132nd by the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreed to $434,000, below the $575,300 slot value.
McNeillie, selected 152nd by the New York Mets, signed for $472,500, under the $497,500 slot value. Yost, chosen 162nd by the Seattle Mariners, signed for $415,000, below the $429,100 slot value. Cyr, picked 548th in the 18th round by the New York Yankees, signed for $150,000; no slot value is assigned for rounds 11 to 20.
Bowen finalised an undrafted free agent agreement with the Texas Rangers. The deal is reported to be $150,000 or less, meaning it does not count against the Rangers’ signing bonus pool. Bowen is the first Gator to sign an undrafted free agent deal since 2022.
The University of Florida has now produced 21 first-round picks in programme history. The team has recorded at least four draft selections in 17 of the last 18 years, including at least five picks in each of the past four years.
