Drew Burress is projected to be one of the first players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, putting the former Houston County High School standout in a prominent spot heading into the next step of his career.
The Georgia Tech outfielder enters draft season with a résumé that helps explain why scouts have him so highly regarded. Burress finished his three college seasons with a school-record 60 home runs, and he also set a Georgia Tech record with 10 outfield assists in 2024. That combination of power and defensive production gives him a profile that stands out in a class where teams are searching for impact talent early.
From Warner Robins to draft prominence
Burress’s path has been closely watched in Middle Georgia for several years. He went from Houston County High School to Georgia Tech and continued to build on the upside that made him a notable amateur prospect. In 2023, he told teams he planned to attend Georgia Tech unless he was selected in the first round of the draft, and he ultimately was not selected.
That decision has worked out well for both Burress and Georgia Tech. He developed into one of the most productive power hitters in school history while also showing enough defensive value to strengthen his draft case. Scouts looking at him now see a player whose ceiling is backed by real college production, not just projection.
What the timing means
The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 11, with the first four rounds. Rounds five through 20 are scheduled for Sunday, July 12. For Burress, that puts the spotlight squarely on how early he comes off the board and whether he stays near the top tier of the class.
For Middle Georgia, it also means another local name could be on the big stage early in the draft. Burress is not just a draft-eligible player; he is being discussed as one of the first selections, which makes his upcoming draft day one of the region’s more notable baseball storylines.
His college production already answered one major question. The next one is where he lands and how quickly he can turn that Georgia Tech success into a professional opportunity.
