​Wes Mendes has been selected by the Houston Astros with the 57th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft, marking a notable milestone for Florida State baseball as he becomes the Seminoles’ first draft pick of the night. Mendes is joined by fellow FSU draftees Landon Thome and Kaden Waetcher, who also heard their names called during the draft proceedings. The spotlight on Mendes comes after a standout 2026 season in which he emerged as one of the ACC’s most dominant pitchers, earning the title of ACC Pitcher of the Year and securing spots on multiple All-American rosters. The Tampa native also distinguished himself in the classroom, being honored as the ACC Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year and earning All-ACC Academic Team recognition in both of his Florida State seasons.
On the mound, Mendes concluded his junior campaign with a 2.81 ERA across 93.0 innings, compiling an impressive 9-1 record over 16 starts. He held opponents to a stingy .207 batting average, striking out 125 while issuing 25 walks. This season represented a dramatic leap forward from his 2025 campaign, when he served as FSU’s No. 3 starter and flashed occasional excellence but struggled to translate that potential into consistent results. In 2025, Mendes went 7-3 with a 5.42 ERA, a notable improvement in his role and responsibilities as a Seminole after beginning his college career with the Ole Miss Rebels. Opponents hit .240 off him that year, and he allowed 48 runs on 70 hits with 39 walks across 78 innings, though he did punch out 90 hitters, demonstrating his strikeout upside that carried into 2026.
Mendes’ leap in performance for Florida State resonates beyond the box score, reflecting his development as a pitcher who can navigate a full season at a high level while continuing to refine his craft. His results in 2026 positioned him as one of the top pitching prospects in college baseball and a strong asset for the Astros in the professional ranks. As Mendes transitions from college star to professional athlete, the attention shifts to how his repertoire, command, and durability translate against advanced competition and in a longer minor league schedule.
For readers seeking ongoing updates on Florida State athletics, keep following @FSUWire on X and remain engaged with the coverage of Seminole news, notes, and analysis through our pages and posts. This report originally appeared on FSU Wire, highlighting Wes Mendes’ selection by the Houston Astros in the 2026 MLB draft and the broader context of Florida State’s draft class for the year.