IMG Academy's baseball program continues to dominate the MLB Draft, producing four exceptional players in the 2026 draft. The highlight of this year's class is Zion Rose, who was selected 6th overall by the Kansas City Royals, becoming the second-highest draft pick in IMG Academy's history. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the program's rich history of developing top talent. With this selection, IMG Academy further solidifies its reputation as a powerhouse in baseball development.
Rose's journey to the MLB Draft began at IMG Academy, where he transferred for his senior season in 2023. He led the Ascenders to an undefeated season, earning MaxPreps National Champion honors and ranking among Florida's top 20 players in runs scored. His exceptional performance at IMG Academy paved the way for his success at the University of Louisville, where he became one of the nation's premier players. Despite a shortened 2026 season due to injury, Rose's impressive statistics, including a .417 batting average, 13 doubles, 6 home runs, 47 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases, solidified his status as a top prospect.
The other three IMG Academy alumni selected in the 2026 MLB Draft are Brady Neal, Cameron Johnson, and Max Kaufer. Neal, who was originally selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022, chose to forgo professional baseball and focus on his collegiate career. After a successful season at the University of Alabama, he became the 75th IMG Academy alumnus selected in an MLB Draft. Johnson, a pitcher, was originally selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023 and has since transferred to the University of Oklahoma. He dominated the mound in 2026, limiting opposing hitters to a .205 batting average and recording 72 strikeouts. Kaufer, a catcher, was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025 and has since transferred to Wichita State, where he made an immediate impact with his exceptional batting and fielding skills.
IMG Academy's impact on baseball extends beyond the MLB Draft. The program's alumni have excelled at various levels of the game, with James Wood earning his second National League All-Star selection and Drew Cavanaugh making his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants. The academy's player development pipeline remains among the strongest in the nation, with 25 alumni currently competing in affiliated professional baseball and 65 alumni participating in NCAA Division I baseball during the 2026 season. The Class of 2026 further reinforces IMG Academy's legacy, with 55 graduating student-athletes committing to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level.
IMG Academy's holistic education model, which empowers student-athletes to win their future, is a key factor in its success. The academy provides growth opportunities through a state-of-the-art campus in Bradenton, Florida, online coaching via IMG Academy+, and online college recruiting through NCSA and SportsRecruits. This comprehensive approach ensures that IMG Academy continues to produce exceptional baseball talent and prepare its students for success in both baseball and life.
