2026 MLB Draft Player Profile: Gio Rojas (SP)

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is named after American journalist, women’s suffrage advocate, and conservationist. Douglas is known for her defense of the Florida Everglades from urbanization. In 1990, the high school was founded only 3 miles away from Everglades National Park.

Stoneman Douglas has produced several big MLB names. Most recently, Stoneman Douglas graduate Roman Anthony made his MLB debut this past summer, where he hit .292 over 71 games. Jesus Luzardo, former Marlin and current Phillies pitcher is also a graduate. Coby Mayo, former top prospect from the Orioles, and Chicago Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo, also attended the Florida highschool.

This summer, Gio Rojas can accomplish something that the names above were unable to do, get drafted in the first round (I also had to fact check that Anthony was not a first rounder). Rojas is a 6’4 left handed starting pitcher. In his most recent high school season, Rojas posted 12-0 record, 0.72 ERA over 68 innings pitched, with 120 strikeouts, and only 16 walks. Yes, you read that right, 15.88 K per 9.

Rojas’ best offering is his high 90s fastball, which he executes with top of the class control (MLB Grades: Fastball - 60 Control - 55). His slider is just as good, clocking in at the low 80s and featuring large sweeping motion. Rojas also has a changeup that he uses less often, but still is effective. Rojas brings both control and velocity to the mound, a dangerous combination for a pitcher at his age.

His control is what sets him apart from the other flamethrowers in the high school class. His MLB Grade might even be undervaluing his command and placement skills. His high school BB/9 was 1.7. In addition, scouts have noted a few mechanical tweaks that could make Rojas’ command even more consistent. In a season or two, it would not be surprising if Rojas’ Command grade was in the 60s.

In the 2025 Class 7A semi-final, Rojas threw 9 shut out innings with only 1 hit. He racked up 15 strikeouts in the process. Douglas went on to the Class 7A final where they won 3-2 to secure their 5th consecutive state championship.

Rojas is currently committed to University of Miami, but is unlikely to make it to campus this fall. MLB draft boards have Rojas at either Pick #8 (Athletics) or Pick #9 (Braves). In Sacramento/Vegas, Rojas would join an exciting group of farm arms including Jamie Arnold and Gage Jump. In Atlanta, Rojas would bolster a weaker farm system and immediately be one of the Braves’ top prospect in 2026/2027.

Rojas’ three pitch mix is sufficient for his game at the moment, but he can “raise the roof” on his ceiling by adding an effective 4th pitch. His third pitch change up still needs work to be an effective third pitch, so if he workshop two new pitches in the same developmental process, Rojas can become a legitimate front of the rotation arm within a few years.

Could Rojas go higher than 8th? It is certainly possible. The Orioles currently sit at #6 and have weak pitching depth in their farm system. Their highest rated pitching prospect as of January 2026 is Esteban Mejia, a prospect with a great fastball slider combo but with poor, below average command. Next is Boston Bateman, who offers a plus slider but not much else. Needless to say, Rojas would headline the Orioles farm arms very quickly.

TBG’s Prediction:

Fastball: 60

Slider: 60

Changeup: 45

Control: 60

Round 1, Pick 8 to the Athletics.

There is a high chance in a few years we are witnessing a Stoneman Douglas versus Stoneman Douglas at bat between Roman Anthony and Gio Rojas.