2026 MLB Draft Profile: Drew Burress

Leading up to the 2026 MLB Draft, Fish On First brings you a series of scouting reports on top prospects in this draft class who could realistically wind up in Miami.

Overview

Position: OF

Height: 5’9″

Weight: 185 pounds

School: Georgia Tech

Drew Burress is a 5’9”, 185-pound outfielder who plays for Georgia Tech University. Burress has been an excellent hitter since he arrived on campus at Georgia Tech. He’s one of the best overall players in the country and should be an early pick in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Coming out of high school, Burress was an elite-level prospect from Houston County High School in Perry, Georgia. On Perfect Game, Burress was the eighteenth-ranked prospect and the fourth-ranked outfielder in the Class of 2023. He was also the second-ranked prospect and the #1 outfielder out of the Peach State. Burress went undrafted and honored his commitment to Georgia Tech.

During his freshman season, Burress made a major impact and was already proving himself to be one of the best players in college baseball. Burress played and started in all 58 games. He slashed .381/.512/.821 with 83 hits, fifteen doubles, 25 home runs, 67 RBIs, 58 walks, and a 1.333 OPS. Burress was named the Freshman of the Year, Freshman All-American, and Second Team All-American on D1 Baseball.

In the 2025 season, Burress continued to produce like one of the most productive hitters in the country. Burress played and started in all 60 games. He slashed .333/.469/.693 with 76 hits, 23 doubles, nineteen home runs, 62 RBIs, ten stolen bases, 53 walks, and a 1.162 OPS. He was named a First Team All-American and First Team All-ACC.

During this season, Burress has helped lead Georgia Tech’s offense to be one of the best in the country. Burress is slashing .361/.476/.651 with 87 hits, 22 doubles, three triples, fourteen home runs, 56 RBIs, ten stolen bases, 47 walks, and a 1.128 OPS. He was named First Team All-ACC.

At the plate, Burress has an open stance and uses his lower half very well. Burress has a short, compact swing with natural lift and generates a lot of power from his big leg kick and impressive bat speed.

Burress did have some mechanical issues with his swing and leg kick during the season, but made adjustments and has played more to his capabilities. He’s one of the most complete hitters in this draft class with an advanced approach and doesn’t chase too many pitches out of the zone.

Defensively, Burress projects to stay in center field at the next level. He has above-average speed and a 60-grade arm strength. Even if he moves off of the position by the time he reaches the majors, Burress could be an excellent defensive right fielder due to his arm strength.

Strengths

• 60-grade power
• Highly productive college hitter Georgia Tech for all three years
• Excellent bat speed
• Hits the ball with leverage naturally
• 60-grade arm strength
• Projected to stick in CF

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t have much projectability left
• Swing tends to get a little long
• Will probably need to shorten his leg kick

Pro Comparison: Ramon Laureano

Projection: Top 10 pick

Bottom Line

With how productive Drew Burress has been since he stepped foot at Georgia Tech, it doesn’t seem like many teams will pass up on the opportunity to draft him. He’s a well-rounded prospect who could quickly move through the minor league system.

On ESPN, Burress is the seventh-ranked prospect and the #1 collegiate outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft. On MLB Pipeline, Burress is the eighth-ranked draft prospect. He is the tenth-ranked draft prospect on Baseball America.

The Marlins will have the 14th overall pick in the draft. Burress would be an excellent option, but he is unlikely to be on the board for them. If he does fall to the Fish, they would really have to consider taking him.

More 2026 MLB draft profiles

• LHP Gio Rojas
• RHP Cameron Flukey
• OF Eric Booth Jr.
• 3B Ace Reese
• LHP Carson Bolemon
• RHP Jackson Flora
• INF Jacob Lombard
• OF AJ Gracia