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Guardians ready to help top draft pick Liam Peterson reach his ceiling
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- Guardians ready to help top draft pick Liam Peterson reach his ceiling
The Guardians have built perhaps the league's best reputation for pitching development , so anytime Cleveland acquires a pitcher with a high ceiling opposing front offices might already be assuming they'll see him in a major league setting some day, and probably with a sparkling ERA.
In the case of Liam Peterson , the Guardians had been keeping on eye on him for several years. And now he'll be part of their minor league system as one of Cleveland's highest-ranked pitching prospects.
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The Guardians selected Peterson, a 6-foot-5 right-hander from the University of Florida, with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft . He was ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 20 prospect entering the draft. He was a fit for the Guardians in several ways, with their own comfort and familiarity with him being among the reasons — and the upper-90s fastball didn't hurt, either.
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches durning and NCAA baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballparkin Gainesville, FL on Friday, April 17, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood, Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches against Troy during the 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship Gainesville Regional championship baseball game at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 31, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood, Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
March 20, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Floirda pitcher Liam Peterson (12) makes a pitch at Sewell-Thomas Stadium for the SEC home opener against Alabama.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12)] was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
May 21, 2025; Hoover, AL, USA; Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) starts the game with Ole Miss in the second round of the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches against Alabama in Game 1 of the weekend series. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
May 21, 2025; Hoover, AL, USA; Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) starts the game with Ole Miss in the second round of the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
East Squad's Liam Peterson high-fives his teammates as he is introduced before playing in the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Chase Field on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022.
Perfect Gme 30
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Jun 20, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pitcher Liam Peterson during a high school baseball game at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Jun 20, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pitcher Liam Peterson during a high school baseball game at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches during the second inning of an NCAA baseball matchup Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at the University of North Florida’s Harmon Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida blanked North Florida 10-0 in seven innings. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union, Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) looks on from the pitcher’s mound during the second inning of an NCAA baseball matchup Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at the University of North Florida’s Harmon Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida blanked North Florida 10-0 in seven innings. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union, Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Jun 15, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators starting pitcher Liam Peterson (12) throws against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
(Steven Branscombe, Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports)
Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators starting pitcher Liam Peterson (12) throws against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
(Steven Branscombe, Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches durning and NCAA baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballparkin Gainesville, FL on Friday, April 17, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood, Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches durning and NCAA baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballparkin Gainesville, FL on Friday, April 17, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood, Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches against Troy during the 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship Gainesville Regional championship baseball game at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 31, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood, Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
March 20, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Floirda pitcher Liam Peterson (12) makes a pitch at Sewell-Thomas Stadium for the SEC home opener against Alabama.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12)] was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's Liam Peterson (12) was the starting pitcher for the Gators on Opening Day against UAB, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators lost Game 1 to the Blazers 9-7.
[Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2026
(Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun, Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
May 21, 2025; Hoover, AL, USA; Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) starts the game with Ole Miss in the second round of the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches against Alabama in Game 1 of the weekend series. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida's pitcher Liam Peterson (12) is the starter in the matchup against Alabama. Florida came back from being down 5-0 to beat Alabama 7-6, Friday, May 15, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida. [Cyndi Chambers/ Gainesville Sun] 2025
(Cyndi Chambers, Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
May 21, 2025; Hoover, AL, USA; Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) starts the game with Ole Miss in the second round of the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met.
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
East Squad's Liam Peterson high-fives his teammates as he is introduced before playing in the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Chase Field on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022.
Perfect Gme 30
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Aug 28, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, US; East pitcher Liam Peterson (32) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Jun 20, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pitcher Liam Peterson during a high school baseball game at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Jun 20, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pitcher Liam Peterson during a high school baseball game at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches during the second inning of an NCAA baseball matchup Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at the University of North Florida’s Harmon Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida blanked North Florida 10-0 in seven innings. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union, Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (12) looks on from the pitcher’s mound during the second inning of an NCAA baseball matchup Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at the University of North Florida’s Harmon Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida blanked North Florida 10-0 in seven innings. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union, Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Jun 15, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators starting pitcher Liam Peterson (12) throws against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
(Steven Branscombe, Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports)
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Liam Peterson, Guardians draft pick and former Florida Gators pitcher
Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators starting pitcher Liam Peterson (12) throws against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
(Steven Branscombe, Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports)
It was the first time the Guardians used their top draft choice on a pitcher since 2021, when they selected Gavin Williams , another big, athletic right-handed starter.
"We've known him a really long time, from his days [in high school] where he was a top prospect as well," Paul Gillispie , Guardians senior VP of scouting operations, said. "His mindset, his desire to get better, I think fits really well with our organization … It really starts with the physical traits — size, delivery, arm action, all of those things provide him a really good foundation."
March 20, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Floirda pitcher Liam Peterson (12) makes a pitch at Sewell-Thomas Stadium for the SEC home opener against Alabama.
Peterson is a former two-way player, giving him an athletic build capable of handling heavy workloads as a pitcher. His fastball hits 98-99 mph, which is combined with a curveball, slider and changeup. He just turned 21, and as a collegiate pitcher with his level of experience, Peterson is a candidate to climb the minor league ladder relatively quickly.
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"I think we just have the resources and the tools to support these guys in a way that, I think, we can help them reach their ceilings," Gillispie said. "I think the things he already does and the things he brings to the table are really hard to teach, just with the physicality, the arm speed, the stuff.
"We think when we bring him into our organization, there's lot of things we can do with some of the finer points of pitching and refinement and those types of things."
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians ready to help top draft pick Liam Peterson reach his ceiling
