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Liam Peterson to Guardians in MLB draft. Instant grade, analysis, stats
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- Liam Peterson to Guardians in MLB draft. Instant grade, analysis, stats
The " Cleveland Pitching Factory " has added another arm to its future arsenal.
The Guardians selected Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 draft .
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It's the first time the Guardians, who have built a reputation as arguably the best pitching-development organization in the league, have used their top draft choice on a pitcher since 2021, when they drafted Gavin Williams in the first round.
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)
Liam Peterson stats, scouting
Peterson was ranked as the No. 20 player in the 2026 draft class by MLB Pipeline, which puts his selection at No. 19 right in line with those rankings.
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he has the frame to be a major league starting pitcher, somewhat similar to Williams, in fact.
Last season, Peterson posted a 4.59 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 84⅓ innings for the Gators. The year prior, he had a 4.28 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 69⅓ innings.
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He throws a fastball, slider, curveball and changeup.
Liam Peterson draft grade after selection to Guardians
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.
At 21 years old, Peterson can hit 98-99 mph with his fastball, and his breaking pitches all progressed to the point he carried a first-round projection in the draft. He was widely viewed to possess some of the best pure stuff of any college pitcher, and the Guardians' pitching development team surely saw something they liked. By all accounts, he's now in good hands as he begins his professional career. He's a former two-way player with a larger frame, a good starting point to handling a high workload.
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The Guardians took the No. 20-ranked player at No. 19 and, after several years of drafting position players in the first round, they've added a first-round arm to their projected starting rotation in a few years. Considering their track record with pitchers, it's difficult to find fault with the pick on the first day of the draft.
Peterson is also a pitcher who would be a real candidate to climb the minor league ladder to the majors relatively quickly.
Guardians draft grade of Liam Peterson: A-
Guardians draft Logan Schmidt in second round
The Guardians went with a high school pitcher in the second round, selecting left-hander Logan Schmidt with the No. 59 overall pick.
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Schmidt, a 6-4 southpaw out of California, was the No. 45-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he also throws a slider and a changeup.
He's an LSU commit.
Tre Broussard drafted by Guardians in third round
With the No. 95 overall selection, the Guardians took Houston outfielder Tre Broussard.
A left-handed-hitting outfielder, Broussard was ranked No. 91 by MLB Pipeline. Known as a toolsy outfielder, Broussard's calling card is his plus-plus speed that is combined with a high contact rate the plate.
Kade Lewis selected by Guardians in MLB Draft
The Guardians wrapped up their first-day group of picks by taking Wake Forest corner infielder Kade Lewis at No. 123 overall in the fourth round.
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Lewis won the Big East batting title with a .377 average as a freshman a few years ago before transferring to Wake Forest. He's another hitter with a swing geared toward contact.
He plays both third base and first base, giving the Guardians some flexibility.
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: Liam Peterson to Guardians in MLB draft. Instant grade, analysis, stats
