The Miami Marlins invest in local talent by selecting Gulliver Prep standout Jacob Lombard in the first round, adding one of the nation's most polished high school prospects to the organization's future.
The Miami Marlins selected Gulliver Prep standout Jacob Lombard with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.
Lombard, 18, is the son of former major league player George Lombard and the younger brother of George Lombard Jr., a first-round MLB draft pick who is in the New York Yankees organization.
Lombard committed to the University of Miami in October 2025.
According to MLB Pipeline, Lombard was the No. 5-ranked prospect in the draft class, behind Grady Emerson, Roch Cholowsky, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago White Sox, Vahn Lackey and Jackson Flora.
"A 6-foot-3 premium athlete at a premium position, Lombard is a right-handed hitter with plenty of juice in his bat," MLB Pipeline's scouting report wrote.
"Lombard will be able to play shortstop for a very long time, with outstanding range, feet, hands and action. Some might have questions about his arm strength, but he has plenty when he needs it. All of this adds up to him being a potential top of the first round pick," the scouting report added.
Lombard enters the organization with a reputation for athleticism, defensive versatility and significant upside. The talented infielder has drawn attention throughout the scouting process for his smooth actions at shortstop, strong baseball instincts and the potential to develop into an impact player at the major league level.
According to The Athletic's Keith Law, Lombard had a 39% whiff rate during tracked showcase events in 2025.
"Lombard will need to cut down on his swing-and-miss tendencies. Pitchers in showcase events last summer exploited him with fastballs up in the zone," wrote MLB.com’s Brian Murphy.
According to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, the Marlins “likely didn't enter the day thinking the talented infielder would be here for them," highlighting the possibility that Lombard became an unexpected opportunity when Miami was on the clock.
"We're thrilled. We didn't expect we'd get a chance to draft someone in Jacob Lombard," Marlins President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix said.
Lombard’s offensive development will be a key storyline as he begins his professional career. The Marlins believe his swing, approach and natural ability provide a foundation that can continue to improve with experience. Like many young hitters entering professional baseball, he will have to adjust to facing more advanced pitching and learn how opponents attack him.
The Marlins currently have an All-Star shortstop in 27-year-old Otto Lopez, who entered Saturday leading the league in batting average (.341) and hits (127).
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