Will they stay or go? Florida sees three more drafted to the pros on Day 2

After Liam Peterson (Guardians), Kyle Jones (Brewers), and Russell Sandefer (Dodgers) went in rounds one through three of the MLB Draft, the Gators had three more players get selected on day two. Right-handed pitcher Luke McNeillie was selected in round five (Pick No. 152) by the New York Mets; outfielder Hayden Yost was also selected in the fifth round (Pick No. 162) by the Seattle Mariners; and right-handed pitcher Blake Cyr was taken in round 18 (Pick No. 548) by the New York Yankees.

Because McNeillie and Yost had such high draft slots and Cyr is one of Florida’s players who exhausted his collegiate eligibility this season, it is likely that all three players will sign with their respective Major League teams and go pro.

Three Gators drafted on Day 2 of MLB Draft

Luke McNeillie, RHP – Round 5 (Pick No. 152) – New York Mets

McNeillie, ranked by MLB as the No. 185 prospect coming into the draft, heard his name called by the New York Mets on Sunday in the fifth round at pick No. 152. 

The 6’3”, 200lb righty had a breakout season for the Gators in 2026. He posted a career-low 3.97 ERA, going 3-0 with one save in 18 appearances as a junior (three starts). He gave up just 15 earned runs on 40 hits in 34 innings. He walked 17 and struck out 48. 

McNeillie, primarily a relief pitcher, is known for his premium stuff and strong velocity, touching 96-99 mph on his fastball. His four-seam has the ability to carry and even act like a two-seam fastball.

His best pitch, however, is arguably his slider that flashes plus stuff with an 86-88 mph velocity and good downward spin.

McNeillie was named a 2026 Basbeall America Second Team Preseason All-American, and a 2026 Preseason First Team All-SEC.

Drafted at pick No. 152, he has a pick value of $472.50k. Because of how his season went and his draft slot being increased based on performance, it is likely that he will choose to forego his last season at Florida and choose to go pro.

Hayden Yost, OF – Round 5 (Pick No. 162) – Seattle Mariners

Yost followed McNeillie by being drafted in round 5 as well. He goes to the Seattle Mariners. The four-year junior’s draft slot is $429.10k, another draft slot that many say can’t be passed down and therefore will be enough to convince the Tampa native to move on to Seattle.

Last season he played in 42 games 30 starts, 12 games off the bench). He batted .262/.589/.369, with a .958 OPS. He hit a combined five doubles and 10 home runs, driving in 23 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

Blake Cyr, OF – Round 18 (Pick No. 548) – New York Yankees

Cyr, a four-year senior’s long-awaited call finally came in the 18th round (Pick No. 548) of the draft when the Yankees came calling and took him off the big board.

Cyr, 5’11”, 195lbs, was a huge aspect of Florida’s lineup, playing in 56 games (all starts) in 2026. He hit a collegiate career-high .316/.591/.398, with a .988 OPS. He hit 15 doubles, with one triple, and 14 home runs, driving in 58 RBIs and 53 runs scored.

He was named the 2026 ABCA/ Rawlings Second Team Southeast All-Region.

While he doesn’t have a draft slot being drafted in round 18, he will also likely go pro as he has no more years of eligibility left collegiately.

With Yost and  Cyr both likely going pro, the Gators will now have a whole new-look outfield taking the field in 2027.

With the MLB draft complete, the Gators had six players drafted as the team continues to develop draft-worthy prospects.

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