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College Pitching Star May be Right Fit for Marlins First-Round Draft Pick
- Marlins are slated to pick 14th in the 2026 MLB Draft according to Baseball America’s mock after the first-round order was finalized.
- UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson Flora is identified as a likely first-round pick for Miami at No. 14.
- Flora posted a 6-3 record with a 3.60 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 75 innings in 2025.
- Flora could be more of a reliever if he does not develop a fuller arsenal, per scouts.
- Miami has previously drafted first-round pitchers including Noble Meyer (2023) and Thomas White (2023).
- Miami’s 2025 first-round included Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette and Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella via compensatory pick.
- Marlins’ 2024 pick was outfielder PJ Morlando, who is recovering from an injury.
- The 2023 picks included Noble Meyer and Thomas White, both in Miami’s system with White listed as the No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
- The article ties Flora to a potential trend of Florida college pitchers being favored in 2026.
- Baseball America’s mock is subscription-based but cited Flora as the top college pitcher prospect for the Marlins.
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