​The 2026 MLB Draft is set for this weekend, and a number of Southwest Florida standouts are poised to begin their journeys toward the major leagues. Last year’s event highlighted the local talent, with Fort Myers graduate Zach Root going in the first round to the Los Angeles Dodgers and FGCU product Justin Herschel selected in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Reds. This year promises a new batch of potential big-league entrants.
The draft action will unfold over two days. The first day, which covers rounds one through four, begins on July 11 at 1 p.m. The following day will feature rounds five through 20, starting at 11:30 a.m. MLB.com will provide ongoing coverage so fans can follow every pick and development.
Among the notable local names to watch are FGCU’s Evan Dempsey, who was named to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team camp on June 17. Dempsey enjoyed a standout junior season for the Eagles, leading the team with 226 plate appearances, 57 runs scored, 18 doubles, and 15 stolen bases. He totaled 76 hits, 45 RBIs, and 10 home runs. On the mound, Dempsey recorded 116 strikeouts across 82 2/3 innings, with two complete games and two shutouts. His exceptional performance earned him the ASUN Conference Pitcher of the Year honor and a berth as a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award, in addition to winning the John Olerud Two-Way Player Award for the second consecutive season.
Another notable name is Aidan Knaak, a right-handed pitcher from Bishop Verot. Knaak impressed as a high school standout, and his time at Clemson has continued to draw attention. In high school, he was a finalist for the Southwest Florida Baseball Player of the Year after posting a 9-3 record with a 1.24 ERA, while leading the area with 116 strikeouts—an area-best that ranked fourth statewide. At Clemson, he began his collegiate career on a strong note, earning the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year honor from the NCBWA and going 14-2 in his first two seasons with the Tigers. His Clemson tenure has included more than 300 strikeouts, underscoring his continued potential as a professional prospect.
Bishop Verot senior Joey Lawson is another standout, having earned back-to-back Southwest Florida All-Area Baseball Player of the Year honors. Lawson has excelled on the mound for the Vikings, posting a 0.95 ERA and contributing at the plate with a .325 batting average, four home runs, and a team-high 25 RBIs this past season. He has committed to playing college baseball at the University of North Carolina, joining a long line of successful players from the region moving on to the college level and beyond to professional opportunities.
FGCU redshirt sophomore Hunter Possehl is another name to keep on the radar. As a redshirt sophomore, Possehl made 14 starts, racking up 65 strikeouts in 67 innings. He finished with a 9-6 record and a 3.21 ERA, earning a spot on the All-ASUN Second Team. The 6-foot-7 left-hander has shown the combination of size, control, and strike-throwing ability that scouts often seek.
On the high school front, Cole Travers of St. John Neumann is emerging as a target for multiple MLB clubs after a breakout senior season. Travers, a 6-foot-3 infielder, hit at a remarkable .464 clip with 46 hits, 12 doubles, and one triple during a schedule that featured some of the toughest competition in the area. His production and performance against strong opposition have generated considerable buzz around his potential as a professional prospect.
In addition to these names, there are other local talents to monitor as the draft approaches. The combination of high school standouts and collegiate players from FGCU and surrounding programs makes Southwest Florida a fertile ground for future major-league talent. As the draft unfolds, fans will be eager to see which players ultimately hear their names called and how their paths may lead through professional baseball, starting this weekend with the first rounds and continuing through the final selections on day two.