A's Projected to Take Top High School Prospect in 2026 MLB Draft

Stoneman Douglas lefty Gio Rojas could be the team's selection with the 8th overall pick.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Oakland Athletics are projected to select left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas from Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Rojas is considered one of the top high school prospects in the class, with a projectable 6'4" frame, three quality pitches, plus command, and clean mechanics.

Why it matters

The A's have focused on building up their farm system in recent years, and adding a high-ceiling pitching prospect like Rojas could further strengthen their pipeline of young talent as the team prepares to move to Las Vegas.

The details

After taking a college pitcher in the first round last year, the A's are now in position to target one of the top high school arms in the 2026 draft class. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes the team will select the 19-year-old Rojas, who has the makings of a frontline starter at the MLB level.

  • The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for this summer.
  • The A's hold the 8th overall pick after the draft lottery in December.

The players

Gio Rojas

A left-handed pitcher from Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, Rojas is projected to be one of the top high school prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft class.

James Arnold

The A's selected Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State University, in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Rojas has an extremely projectable 6'4", 190-pound frame and better present polish than most prep arms with three quality pitches, plus command and clean mechanics. He turns 19 years old before draft day, which gives him leverage in negotiations since he'll be draft-eligible as a sophomore if he honors his commitment to Miami, but that won't be a factor if he's a top-10 pick.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The A's will have their sights set on Gio Rojas and other top high school prospects as they prepare for the 2026 MLB Draft this summer.

The takeaway

By targeting a high-ceiling high school arm like Gio Rojas, the A's are continuing to invest in their farm system and build a pipeline of young talent as the team prepares to move to Las Vegas.