Sports

South Walton’s Coleman Borthwick drafted by San Diego Padres in first round

South Walton's star right-hander was selected with the 21st overall pick Saturday, and now faces a decision between Auburn and the pros.

Travis Espy

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The expected has become reality: Coleman Borthwick is an MLB draft pick.

The San Diego Padres selected the South Walton right-hander with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, capping a high school career unlike anything the area has ever seen.

Borthwick found out the news at a draft party surrounded by family, friends and South Walton teammates. Among those alongside him were his parents, Nick, South Walton’s head baseball coach, and Nina, the school’s principal.

The draft selection comes after a senior season in which Borthwick went 10-0 with a 0.21 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings, earning Gatorade Florida Player of the Year honors and leading the Seahawks to a Class 3A state championship. Before that, he represented Team USA in the 2025 U-18 World Cup, leading the squad to a gold medal and taking home tournament MVP honors.

Now, Borthwick faces a decision.

He can honor his commitment to Auburn, where he is the crown jewel of a top-10 recruiting class that also includes South Walton teammate Parker Granse. The Tigers are coming off a 42-22 season that included a trip to the Super Regionals, and a seven-figure NIL check would likely be waiting for him on campus.

Or, he can begin his professional journey with the Padres, collect a projected $4.22 million signing bonus and start working his way through San Diego’s farm system on a fast track to the majors.

Either way, it’s a decision most athletes only dream of having to make.

PROMOTION

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