Jacob Lombard Drafted 14th by Marlins

Jacob Lombard, a South‑Miami native, saw his name called 14th overall by the Miami Marlins during the 2026 MLB Draft at All‑Star Weekend in Philadelphia. The selection comes with a $5.4 million bonus, signaling confidence in his upside after a standout high‑school season. The pick reinforces Miami’s reputation for nurturing elite shortstops, especially those who blend size, speed, and power.

Physical Tools and Position Value

Standing 6‑ft‑3, Lombard provides the frame many clubs covet for a premium defensive position like shortstop. His ability to cover ground on the field and sprint from home to first adds two‑way intrigue for professional scouts. The combination of length and athleticism makes him a premium asset at a position where size is often a differentiator.

Off the field, his bat has drawn the most praise. At Gulliver Prep, he posted a .477 batting average with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, and 52 runs scored in the regular season. Adding to his offensive arsenal were four doubles and 14 stolen bases, showcasing a blend of power and speed that few high‑school hitters possess.

Broader Context for Miami Baseball

Aside from his performance on grass, Lombard helped Gulliver capture consecutive state titles on the soccer pitch, earning a 60‑7‑5 varsity record over three seasons. This dual‑sport success underscores a rare athleticism that many pro clubs find attractive. Yet, his impact is most visible through the draft slot he earned.

Lombard is now counted among the top Miami‑area prep talents of the century, alongside his brother George (2023), Sal Stewart (2022), Albert Almora Jr. (2012), Manny Machado (2010), Luiz Montanez (2000) and David Espinosa (2000). He currently holds the distinction of the highest‑selected product from Miami‑Dade since Machado went third overall in 2010, reinforcing a local pipeline that remains a key consideration for teams searching for elite defense and bat speed. The Marlins’ decision to invest early in him could set a benchmark for how other clubs view the Miami market in future drafts.