​Florida State University’s 2026 recruiting class received another strong vote of confidence this week as two Seminole commits earned spots in one of professional baseball’s most respected prospect rankings. In The Athletic’s 2026 MLB Draft top 100 list, Florida State signees Landon Thome and Kaden Waechter were both recognized among the nation’s premier amateur prospects. Thome sits at No. 33 and Waechter at No. 31, placing both future Seminoles firmly inside the top 35 prospects in the publication. The rankings, compiled by MLB draft analyst Keith Law, evaluate both high school and college players who will be eligible for future professional drafts.
Waechter, a product of Jesuit High School in Tampa, drew praise for his advanced feel on the mound. The Athletic highlighted his 91-95 mph fastball, sharp mid-80s slider, and above-average command across a four-pitch mix, noting that the son of former MLB pitcher Doug Waechter has the polish to remain a starting pitcher at the next level.
Thome, meanwhile, continues to build one of the strongest résumés in the 2026 recruiting class. The son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome was lauded for his offensive upside, with The Athletic suggesting he could develop into a 25-home run hitter while eventually shifting from shortstop to third base.
This ranking adds to an already impressive offseason for Thome, who was recently named to Baseball America’s High School All-America Second Team—his third High School All-America selection—after batting .533 with eight home runs, 35 RBIs, a 1.676 OPS, and 49 stolen bases during his senior season.
With Waechter and Thome both earning national recognition from one of baseball’s top evaluators, Florida State fans will be hoping they choose to join the Seminoles in Tallahassee rather than entering professional baseball after the draft. The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
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