Orioles Bet on Elite Athleticism, Select Mississippi Prep Star Kevin Roberts Jr. With No. 110 Pick

The Baltimore Orioles continued to add premium athletic talent to one of baseball’s deepest farm systems on Saturday, selecting Kevin Roberts Jr., a dynamic center fielder from Jackson Preparatory School (Miss.), with the 110th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Roberts gives Baltimore another high-ceiling position player whose blend of size, speed, raw power, and defensive ability made him one of the most intriguing high school prospects available on Day 2 of the draft.

One of the Most Athletic Players in the Draft

At 6-foot-5 and approximately 215-220 pounds, Roberts is a rare athlete whose physical tools immediately stand out. He starred at Jackson Prep, one of the nation’s premier high school baseball programs, and was regarded as one of the best prep outfielders in the country.

Scouts have long praised Roberts for his explosive athleticism and projection. He possesses:

• Plus raw power
• Above-average speed
• Strong throwing arm
• Ability to play center field
• Tremendous physical projection

His combination of size and athleticism drew comparisons to some of today’s modern five-tool outfielders.

Scouting Report

MLB Pipeline grades Roberts as a toolsy outfielder with impressive upside:

• Hit: 40
• Power: 55
• Run: 60
• Arm: 50
• Field: 55
• Overall Future Value: 45

Those grades reflect a player whose game is built around athleticism and long-term projection rather than polish.

Perfect Game described Roberts as having an “incredibly athletic frame,” noting his 6.47-second 60-yard dash, outstanding bat speed, and ability to drive the baseball with authority to all fields. Scouts also praised his leverage, strength, and room for continued physical development.

Multi-Sport Star

Roberts wasn’t simply a baseball standout.

He became one of Mississippi’s premier overall athletes and reportedly attracted Division I interest in multiple sports thanks to his rare combination of speed, power, and explosiveness. Before entering the draft, he was committed to play baseball at the University of Florida, one of college baseball’s elite programs.

Jackson Prep Pipeline

Baltimore is drafting from a program that has recently produced elite professional talent.

Jackson Prep has become known nationally after producing former first-round pick Konnor Griffin, and Roberts helped continue that tradition as another nationally ranked prospect from one of the country’s strongest high school baseball programs.

Why the Orioles Drafted Him

The Orioles have consistently shown they are willing to bet on athleticism.

Rather than targeting players who are already finished products, Baltimore often drafts prospects with elite physical tools and trusts its player development staff to maximize that potential.

Roberts fits that philosophy perfectly.

He has the speed to stay in center field, the raw power to develop into a middle-of-the-order hitter, and enough arm strength to profile anywhere in the outfield. While his swing will need refinement against professional pitching, evaluators believe the upside is worth the investment.

Player Profile

Name: Kevin Roberts Jr.

Position: Center Field

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: Approximately 215-220 pounds

School: Jackson Preparatory School (Mississippi)

College Commitment: University of Florida

Drafted: Fourth Round (110th Overall), Baltimore Orioles, 2026 MLB Draft.

Development Outlook

Because Roberts is a high school selection, patience will be important. He is likely to begin his professional career in the Florida Complex League before advancing through the Orioles’ minor league system.

If his hit tool develops as projected, Baltimore could have landed one of the biggest upside picks outside the first two rounds. His combination of power, speed, defensive versatility, and athleticism gives him the potential to develop into an everyday Major League center fielder.

MSB Take

This is another classic Mike Elias draft selection.

The Orioles continue to target premium athletes with loud tools rather than simply drafting polished players with limited ceilings. Roberts is still developing as a hitter, but his physical gifts are undeniable. At 6-foot-5 with plus speed, emerging power, and center-field ability, he has the type of upside organizations dream about.

If Baltimore’s player development system helps him make consistent contact, Orioles fans could eventually see Roberts become another exciting homegrown talent patrolling Camden Yards’ spacious outfield for years to come.