The Miami Marlins have signed Jacob Lombard, their No. 14 overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. The Miami native completed the deal five days after being drafted and posed for photos at loanDepot park on Thursday morning.
Lombard, an 18-year-old from Gulliver Prep, expressed excitement about starting his professional career with the hometown team. “I love baseball, so I've been itching to just start playing again,” he said. “So, I couldn't be more excited.”
The Marlins plan to challenge the prospect early. He is expected to begin at Single-A Jupiter after a draftee camp at the ballpark next week. President of baseball operations Peter Bendix noted the organization's approach of placing players in competitive environments right away.
Lombard comes from a baseball family. His father George served as USA’s first-base coach at the World Baseball Classic, and his brother George Jr. is ranked as the Yankees' top prospect. Vice President Frankie Piliere highlighted the scouting work that led to the selection.
Lombard said the Marlins' strong season and his local roots make the opportunity special.
