2026 MLB Draft Profile: Liam Peterson

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: RHP

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 225 pounds

School: Florida

Liam Peterson is a 6’5”, 225-pound right-handed pitcher who plays for the University of Florida. Peterson is one of the most talented pitching prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft class. However, he has not performed up to his capabilities.

Coming out of high school, Peterson was an elite prospect from Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, Florida. On Perfect Game, he was the 34th-ranked prospect and the eighth-ranked right-handed pitcher in the Class of 2023. He was also named a Perfect Game All-American. Peterson went undrafted in the 2023 MLB Draft and honored his commitment to the Florida Gators.

During his freshman season, Peterson earned a spot in Florida’s weekend rotation. Peterson made sixteen appearances and thirteen starts. He posted a 3-6 record with a 6.43 ERA, a .257 opponent batting average, and 77 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched. Peterson was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team.

In his sophomore season, Peterson had a better season, but still didn’t pitch very well. Peterson made sixteen appearances and fifteen starts. He posted an 8-4 record with a 4.28 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 12.5 K/9, .250 opponent batting average, and 96 strikeouts in 69 ⅓ innings pitched.

In his junior season, Peterson was named a Preseason First Team All-American. Peterson made sixteen appearances and starts. He posted a 3-6 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, one complete game, 3.8 BB/9, and 111 strikeouts in 84 ⅓ innings pitched.

On the mound, Peterson possesses a four-pitch arsenal including his fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and was clocked multiple times in the triple digits. Peterson’s slider might be his best pitch as he’s comfortable using it in any count and it generates lots of swing-and-miss.

Peterson started to use his 12-6 curveball more often this season and it was successful against batters of either handedness.

The biggest issue for Peterson is his command. His walk rate went down every season, but he has been over the plate a little too much, resulting in hard-hit balls.

Strengths

• Elite slider
• Mid-to-upper 90s fastball velocity
• High K%
• Has consistently dropped his walk rate
• Excellent pitcher’s frame

Weaknesses

• Needs to get more life on his fastball
• Too much over the plate
• Loses composure when things start to go bad

Pro Comparison: Bobby Miller

Projection: Top 25 pick

Bottom Line

Liam Peterson has the size and tools to be a quality pitcher at the next level. If he can hit the corners more often and get more life on his fastball, he could turn out to be the best pitcher in this draft class.

On ESPN, Peterson is the thirteenth-ranked prospect and the third-ranked right-handed pitching prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft. Peterson is also the 20th-ranked draft prospect on Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.

The Marlins will have the 14th overall pick in the draft and should be able to grab one of the top prospects in this draft class. Peterson could be an exciting option, but he comes with high risk given his lack of consistency. If the Marlins decide to go with what they believe is a safer alternative, I would not blame them.