2026 MLB Draft Profile: Cade Townsend

[Hector Rodriguez]

Overview:

Position: RHP

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 185 pounds

School: Ole Miss

Cade Townsend is a 6’1”, 185-pound right-handed pitcher who plays for the University of Mississippi. Townsend has risen a bunch throughout the 2026 season. Townsend is also one of the top draft-eligible sophomores in the 2026 draft class.

Coming out of high school, Townsend was an elite-level prospect from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Aliso Viejo, California. On Perfect Game, Townsend was the 100th-ranked prospect and the 28th-ranked right-handed pitcher in the Class of 2024. He was also the eleventh-ranked prospect and the second-ranked RHP out of the Golden State. Burress went undrafted and honored his commitment to Ole Miss.

During his freshman season, Townsend was one of the most active arms for the Rebels but didn’t have a great season. Townsend made fifteen appearances and eight starts. He posted a 1-0 record with a 6.35 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and an 11.4 K/99.

In the 2026 season, Townsend has had a huge breakout season and is pitching like a potential first round selection. Townsend has fourteen appearances and starts. He has posted a 5-3 record with a 3.94 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, and a 12.4 K/9. Townsend was named Second Team All-SEC.

On the mound, Townsend possesses a five-pitch arsenal including his fastball, curveball, slider, cutter, and changeup. His fastball sits 93-95 mph and has been clocked at 98 mph this spring. Both of his breaking balls are his best pitches due to its high RPMs and whiff rate.

Townsend has also mixed in a low-90s cutter and a low-80s changeup that has some quality depth. While his command isn’t great, Townsend has improved his control and improved his BB/9 from 5.3 to 3.1 this season.

On ESPN, Townsend is the 16th-ranked prospect and the fourth-ranked collegiate right-handed pitcher in the 2026 MLB Draft. On MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, Townsend is the 27th-ranked prospect in the 2026 draft class.

 

Strengths

• Five-pitch mix
• Two plus breaking pitches
• Above-average fastball with nice carry
• Improved control

 

Weaknesses

• Suffered a shoulder injury during the season
• Command still needs to be improved
• ERA above 5.00 versus SEC offenses

 

Pro Comparison: Hurston Waldrep

Projection: Top 20 pick

 

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Bottom Line

The Marlins will have the 14th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft and should be able to grab one of the top prospects in this draft class. Pitching has become a major need for the Marlins all of a sudden due to their injuries.

While the Marlins first round pick won’t make an immediate impact in MLB, they do need more quality depth in their farm system. Townsend is a young pitcher who knows how to pitch but could use a little more development.

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