5 best picks of 2026 Marlins MLB Draft class

[Sean McCormack]

Their first-rounder is understandably hogging many of the headlines given his pre-draft projection and local ties, but the Miami Marlins landed plenty of other intriguing talent in subsequent rounds.

I've highlighted the five best draft picks that the Marlins made this year, based on value or sheer player evaluation.

 

1. Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

As a consensus top-10 prospect in the draft and a top-three high school prospect, the Miami native was not expected to be available at 14.

Lombard has all the tools and family baseball lineage to be considered a 5-tool player, including 60-grade power potential and a high likelihood to stick at shortstop. The largest question looming with Lombard will be the hit tool. Poor contact rates and the tendency to chase are red flags, but the attack angles to the ball on his swing are strong, leading to high flyball rates and to his pull side. Overall, Lombard projects to be a 20-25 home run hitter with above-average to Gold Glove defense at shortstop.

The Marlins will likely overslot Lombard, but the potential is worth all the money.

 

2. Ryan Peterson, RHP, Sam Houston State

The Sam Houston State product went 71st overall in Competitive Balance Round B. His results in colleges were decent, 4.67 xFIP, 3.38 ERA, but a 2.62 SIERA, 22.2 K-BB%. and solid chase, whiff, but struggled with damage limitation. But the Marlins are betting on traits. 

Peterson has an amazing ability to spin the baseball, his repertoire fits how MLB teams approach pitching, deep mix, with the ability to spin the baseball. Peterson's fastball also has an extremely flat approach, similar to Bryan Woo, Joe Ryan, and Christian Scott. Peterson's extension down the mound also allows his fastball to play up despite his current lack of velocity.

Peterson's tendency to throw strikes should improve with MLB pitching development along with his velocity. Shapes, repertoire, extension, and release heights make him an absolute pitching development darling in the modern game.

 

3. Trey Beard, LHP, Florida State

With Trey Beard, the Marlins selected another college pitcher with unique release height and the ability to spin the baseball with different shapes. 

(Data visualization via overslotbaseball.com)

Beard in 66.2 innings this prior season at Florida State University posted a 4.50 ERA, 3.93 xFIP, 2.35 SIERA and 24.9 K-BB%. He utilizes a high-carry fastball, big curveball, and tight slider. Beard also has a cutter and changeup in his pitch mix. 

Beard's ability like Peterson to spin the baseball combined with a unique release height and arm slot probably attracted the Marlins to him in the fifth round.

 

4. Nic Tolbert, 3B, Oktaha HS (OK)

In the ninth round the Marlins selected Tolbert and announced him as a third baseman. Tolbert is massive at 6'6". A complete upside selection by the Marlins, the 18-year-old showcases large power potential from the left side of the plate. 

Tolbert, if signed will most likely get an over-slot deal, Tolbert struggles with offspeed and swing will need some adjustments, the Oklahoma product will need time in the minors and a lot of development, but all the raw tools are prevalent. 

 

5. Colin Linder, RHP, Arizona State

Miami's 15th-rounder has a long history of injuries and played mostly out the bullpen in 2026. The results were not good at all in 5.40 ERA, 5.99 xFIP, 4.00 SIERA, 11.2 K-BB%. 

But most MLB teams draft pitchers in college based on traits. Like the other two pitchers on this list, Linder is interesting from that standpoint. He has an extreme cut-ride fastball sitting 95 and touching 98, solid extension, high-release point, and good spin capacity. He also has a presence on the mound with his 6'5" stature. 

(Data visualization via overslotbaseball.com)

Lacking any pitch that moves arm side, Linder will need to development another pitch to differentiate his shapes and keep hitters off balance. He also struggles with command, suggesting he will most likely work out of the bullpen going forward. He could move fast through the system as a reliever with his stuff if he's able to refine it.

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