​The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for this Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Known as the Rule 4 Draft, this event marks the 61st edition of the amateur selection process that began in 1965. This year’s draft includes a number of current Florida Gators as well as one departing senior who are eligible to be selected by one of the 30 Major League franchises. Leading the projections at the top of the draft is junior pitcher Liam Peterson, who is widely anticipated to be chosen in the first round. He is joined by fellow junior hurlers Russell Sandefer and Luke McNeillie. Additionally, two-way redshirt sophomore standout Caden McDonald is among the players whose names are in consideration for selection this summer.
From the position standpoint, senior outfielder Blake Cyr and senior infielder Ethan Surowiec headline the list of potential picks. They are joined by redshirt sophomore outfielder Kyle Jones, as well as junior outfielders Hayden Yost and Jaden Bastian. These players could hear their names called across the two-day, 20-round event, which promises to deliver a mix of talent and potential for MLB teams.
Here’s how to follow the draft over the weekend. The event will be broadcast nationally on NBC on both Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, from the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Viewers can tune in to NBC and the MLB Network for television coverage, with streaming options available on Peacock, MLB TV, and MLB+. The streaming lineup includes Peacock, MLB TV, and MLB+ to ensure fans can watch from various platforms.
The official schedule outlines when each round and grouping will unfold. On Saturday, July 11, rounds 1 through 4 will proceed with the following breakdown: 1:00–2:30 p.m. for Picks 1–10 (NBC and Peacock), 2:30–4:30 p.m. for Picks 11–40 (MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+), and 4:30–7:45 p.m. for Picks 41–135 (MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+). On Sunday, July 12, rounds 5 through 20 will run from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+). Notably, several teams—specifically the Blue Jays, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, and Yankees—each incurred a 10-pick penalty on their first selections for surpassing the second surcharge threshold of the Competitive Balance Tax.
To keep up with the latest draft developments and Florida Gators coverage, follow Gators Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky, and like the page on Facebook for ongoing Florida Gators news, notes, and opinions. This article originally appeared on Gators Wire in conjunction with coverage of the 2026 MLB Draft, including information on viewing options, schedule, and streaming availability. For deeper context and ongoing updates, be sure to stay tuned as the draft unfolds this weekend.