​The Georgia Bulldogs shattered the program’s draft records as the 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up, showcasing a historic 13 players selected from Athens. This total stands as the most ever produced by Georgia, underscoring the depth and quality of the team under head coach Wes Johnson. Momentum from a standout season carried into the draft, with three Bulldogs chosen on Day 1 and ten more selected on Day 2, highlighting the broad distribution of talent across the roster.
Georgia’s exceptional draft results came on the heels of a banner year in which the Bulldogs won the Southeastern Conference title in both the regular season and the SEC Tournament. The squad continued to build momentum by advancing to the College World Series for the first time in more than a decade, signaling a resurgence of competitive excellence at Foley Field. The 2026 campaign culminated in a school-record 53 wins, finishing 53-14, as Georgia cemented its status as a powerhouse in college baseball and a frequent destination for professional scouts.
In the wake of the draft, several Bulldogs players, along with two incoming UGA transfers, face important stay-or-go decisions. As a general rule, players drafted later are more likely to return to Georgia to further develop their skills and help the program continue its sustained success. Among those hearing their names called in this year’s draft is pitcher Edwin Alicea, a transfer from USF, who went in the 14th round to the Detroit Tigers. The San Francisco Giants selected Mikey Bell, a transfer from Gonzaga, in the 19th round, adding to the rising tide of talent that has defined the Johnson era at Georgia.
Georgia’s draft haul this year follows a strong 2025 draft performance in which the Bulldogs had 10 players selected, illustrating the program’s continued ability to produce professional-level talent and reinforcing the perception that Wes Johnson is attracting and developing elite prospects. The 2026 class further demonstrates the breadth of Georgia’s pipeline, with players representing multiple positions contributing to the historic total.
Specific draft selections for Georgia included catcher Daniel Jackson, who was chosen in Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A, at pick 37 by the Colorado Rockies, and pitcher Justin Byrd, selected in Round 6, pick 170 by the Los Angeles Angels. Pitcher Caden Aoki went in Round 7 to the Texas Rangers at pick 207, while pitcher Dylan Vigue followed shortly after in the same round, at pick 209, to the Kansas City Royals. Infielders Ryan Wynn and Kolby Branch were drafted in Round 7 (pick 220 by the Seattle Mariners) and Round 8 (pick 237 by the Texas Rangers), respectively. Pitcher Matt Scott was selected in Round 8, pick 243 by the Cleveland Guardians. Pitcher/utility Kenny Ishikawa went in Round 13, pick 392 to the Cincinnati Reds, and catcher/infielder Brennan Hudson was picked in Round 20, pick 607 by the Chicago Cubs.
The draft results further emphasize the program’s rising profile and the sustained success of the Bulldogs on the field. Georgia’s 2026 performance, both in the regular season and postseason, laid the groundwork for a record-breaking draft, and the decisions looming for some players in the weeks ahead will shape the next chapter of Georgia baseball. As the team looks ahead to potential continued success, the 13-draft milestone remains a landmark achievement for the program, reflecting years of recruiting, development, and competitive distinction in the SEC and beyond.