​The Miami Marlins closed the 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft with a robust class that features 21 young prospects, including 14 pitchers, underscoring the organization’s emphasis on pitching depth. Leading the haul is Gulliver Prep phenom Jacob Lombard, who was selected 14th in the first round. Lombard’s selection adds a local link to Miami’s draft narrative, as he joins a family with strong ties to baseball: his father, George Lombard Sr., serves as a bench coach for the Detroit Tigers, and his brother, George Lombard Jr., is in the New York Yankees farm system. Lombard’s profile embodies a high-risk, high-reward pedigree; his hitting questions caused him to slide to the 14th spot, but ESPN MLB analyst David Schoenfield believes he could prove to be the steal of the draft if he develops his bat.
Miami’s drafting spree continued with four additional picks at 52, 71, 87, and 115, respectively, all part of a plan to bolster the pipeline across multiple levels. In the second round, the Marlins selected their first pitcher, left-handed starter Kleinsmith from Oregon State. Kleinsmith appeared in 15 games last season for the Beavers, posting a 9-2 record and a 3.74 ERA. He matched a career high with 12 strikeouts in a dominant performance against Mercer on March 28. His college resume also includes recognition on the ABCA All-America Third Team and ABCA All-Region First Team for 2025, highlighting his potential as a future rotation piece for Miami.
Continuing the trend of pitching selections, the Marlins picked Peterson in the Competitive Balance Round B as the 79th prospect in MLB Pipeline’s Top 150. The right-hander worked in 15 games for Sam Houston State, finishing the season 7-8 with 105 strikeouts, including a season-high 11 strikeouts against Oklahoma State on February 27. Peterson’s blend of strikeouts and endurance adds another high-ceiling arm to Miami’s developing staff.
Kozel, another notable choice on Day 1, became the Marlins’ second shortstop pick at the 87th position. He started all 62 games for Arkansas, tallying 45 games at shortstop, 16 at second base, and one as a designated hitter. Kozel slashed .318/.410/.653, led his team with 20 home runs and 71 RBIs, and earned a slate of postseason and regional honors, including NCBWA All-American (Third Team), Perfect Game All-American (Third Team), ABCA/Rawlings South All-Region (First Team), and SEC All-Tournament Team recognition. His combination of power, contact, and defensive versatility makes him a valuable infield asset with potential to rise quickly through the system.
Rounding out the round, Roberson became the second high school prospect drafted by Miami in the 115th slot, joining Lombard. Although he had previously committed to LSU as part of their 2026 signing class, Roberson’s decision will hinge on whether he chooses to pursue professional baseball after being drafted at a higher-than-anticipated position. In terms of ranking, Roberson sat at No. 175 in ESPN’s prospect list and was not listed among MLB’s top-250 prospects, a factor Miami may weigh when planning his development path and potential bonus leverage. If Roberson signs, he stands to earn a $677,500 bonus.
Overall, the Marlins’ 2026 draft class signals a strategic emphasis on versatile infielders and a strong pitching nucleus ready to contribute down the road. Lombard’s presence and family ties add an extra layer of intrigue to Miami’s process-oriented approach, while Kleinsmith, Peterson, Kozel, and Roberson offer a mix of college experience, projection, and high-ceiling upside. As these players progress through the minor leagues, the organization will be watching closely to determine how their skills translate to the next level and how soon they can impact a Miami roster seeking more consistency and depth in both starting rotation and position depth.