Guardians select Liam Peterson as top pick in 2026 MLB Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 10:15 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
The Guardians drafted pitcher Liam Peterson in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, marking their first top pick on a pitcher since 2021. Peterson, a 6-foot-5 right-hander from the University of Florida, was selected with the No. 19 overall pick and was ranked the No. 20 prospect by MLB Pipeline. His skills include a fastball reaching 98-99 mph, complemented by a curveball, slider, and changeup. Guardians scout Paul Gillespie expressed confidence in Peterson's potential, highlighting his athletic background and mindset as key attributes for development in the organization.
- •Liam Peterson was the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
- •This is the Guardians' first top pick on a pitcher since 2021.
- •Peterson is a 6-foot-5 right-hander from the University of Florida.
- •He has a fastball that hits 98-99 mph and features multiple pitch types.
- •Paul Gillespie believes Peterson has the foundation for success in the organization.
- 10:15 AMYahoo Sports — Guardians ready to help top draft pick Liam Peterson reach his ceiling
"The Guardians selected Liam Peterson in the first round and in doing so drafted a pitcher with their top pick for the first time since 2021.
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