San Francisco Giants pick UCSB pitcher Jackson Flora fourth overall in 2026 draft

The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft saw a wave of college talent selected across its two days. UCSB right‑hander Jackson Flora was the headline pick, taken No. 4 overall by the San Francisco Giants as the first pitcher selected. Flora entered the draft after posting a 1.06 ERA, 133 strikeouts and a 12‑0 record, setting a school single‑season strikeout record and earning NCAA Pitcher of the Year honors. He joins a lineage of UCSB pitchers taken early in consecutive drafts.

UCSB also had several later‑round selections: Cole Tryba (Cubs, 7th round), Calvin Proskey (Reds, 11th), Nathan Aceva (Athletics, 12th), AJ Krodel (Mets, 12th), and shortstop Corey Nunez (Cubs, 14th). Cal Poly saw seven players drafted, including pitcher Carson Turnquist (Diamondbacks, 7th) and home‑run king Ryan Tayman (Mets, 9th).

Virginia’s Cavaliers contributed five draftees, highlighted by AJ Gracia (Braves, 1st round), Eric Becker (Reds, 2nd), Kyle Johnson (Rays, 6th), Joe Tiroly (Padres, 7th) and Tyler Kapa (Marlins, 14th). The Cincinnati Reds chose first‑baseman Mulivai Levu from UCLA with the 70th overall pick in the Competitive Balance round.

The Giants outlined their broader draft strategy, adding high‑school arms Carson Bolemon and Kaden Waechter, and outfielder Peyton Bonds, while publishing a top‑10 prospect list that now features Flora alongside international signee Josuar Gonzalez.