Marlins 2026 draft class update: Jacob Lombard's smooth transition to pro ball

The Miami Marlins welcomed 21 new players to their organization via the 2026 MLB Draft. Historically, they have been quick to test draftees in official Minor League Baseball games shortly after signing them, but the process has been different this summer. As of Tuesday, only three members of the 2026 class have suited up for Marlins MiLB affiliates, and Fish On First has learned that none of the pitchers are expected to take the mound against minor league competition until 2027.

Here’s an update on what we've seen thus far.

SS Jacob Lombard (Round 1): Lombard continues to be an above-average hitter with the Low-A Jupiter Hammerheads. Through fourteen games, he has a .241/.382/.407 slash line. Lombard has recorded thirteen hits, three home runs, twelve RBIs, ten walks, eleven runs scored, eight stolen bases, and a .789 OPS. The first-rounder is Jupiter's primary shortstop, but he has also made one start at second base during each series.

LHP Ethan Kleinschmit (Round 2): No MiLB games yet

RHP Ryan Peterson (Competitive Balance Round B): No MiLB games yet

SS Cam Kozeal (Round 3): Kozeal's numbers are unchanged from last week because he's currently on the injured list. He has a .214/.313/.405 slash line in ten games for the Hammerheads. Kozeal has recorded nine hits, two doubles, two home runs, three RBIs, six walks, six runs scored, and a .718 OPS.

OF Wessley Roberson (Round 4): No MiLB games yet

LHP Trey Beard (Round 5): No MiLB games yet

RHP Cole Selvig (Round 6): No MiLB games yet

SS Eric Guevara (Round 7): It's been a very encouraging stretch for Guevara to begin his pro career, slashing .292/.414/.542 in eight Low-A games. That is despite constantly being at a platoon disadvantage (only one plate appearance against left-handed pitching). Guevara has recorded seven hits, two home runs, six RBIs, five walks, seven runs scored, two stolen bases, and a .956 OPS. Although announced as a shortstop at the draft, he has found a temporary defensive home at third base.

1B Rintaro Sasaki (Round 8): No MiLB games yet

3B Nic Tolbert (Round 9): No MiLB games yet

RHP Zach Peters (Round 10): No MiLB games yet

RHP Fabio Bundi (Round 11): No MiLB games yet

RHP Bane Barker (Round 12): No MiLB games yet

RHP Connor Benge (Round 13): No MiLB games yet

RHP Tyler Kapa (Round 14): No MiLB games yet

RHP Colin Linder (Round 15): No MiLB games yet

RHP Porter Buursema (Round 16): No MiLB games yet

RHP Duke McCarron (Round 17): No MiLB games yet

OF Jatniel McCloud (Round 18): No MiLB games yet

RHP Jackson Mitchell (Round 19): No MiLB games yet

RHP Joey Lawson (Round 20): No MiLB games yet