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

Add Get The Coast on Google

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

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

South Walton’s Denton Lord drafted by Padres, opts to honor Mississippi State commitment

Sports

South Walton’s Coleman Borthwick named 2026 Gatorade Florida Baseball Player of the Year

Sports

‘I was pretty confident’: Hudson Quinn reflects on the walk-off ‘suicide squeeze’ that won South Walton a state title

Sports

South Walton baseball wins first state title on Quinn’s walk-off ‘suicide squeeze’

BT commented on Okaloosa County reduces its share of school resource officer funding by $500,000

“way to address the issue directly!”

Respond

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 7, 2026

“1:53, 6 attempts”

Kim Margold commented on Okaloosa Commissioners approve $600K in surtax funds for animal control startup

“If you look back to the Commissioners South meeting in August last year Mr.Maddox brought a one year PAWS contract for a vote. He said PAWS admits they may not...”

Heather Zahn commented on Okaloosa County investigating ‘abnormal discoloration and odor’ in Cinco Bayou

“We have been told the water is unsafe. When will the residents be told the cause of this sudden water pollutions? Any updates or information?”

LC Hough commented on High-speed chase from Alabama ends with crash, PIT maneuver in Crestview

“When will they learn you cannot outrun a cops radio”

jackie commented on Okaloosa County reduces its share of school resource officer funding by $500,000

“The county has to find the $$ somewhere, just like everyone else. Every thing is so expensive bc of the pointless Iran War, tariffs, and other emotional economic policies driving...”

Michelle Nasti commented on Cinco Bayou environmental incident in Fort Walton Beach remains under investigation, Goodwin says

“Groc makes a lot of sense. I hope the water tests confirm this theory, but How do we fix the hypoxic / anoxic water problem ?? Do we need to...”

H Gifford commented on Cinco Bayou environmental incident in Fort Walton Beach remains under investigation, Goodwin says

“I am relieved to learn that this sad event is being responded to. Out here in Joe’s Bayou, I have reported smaller oil or fuel spills from vessels. The reaction...”

JC commented on Cinco Bayou environmental incident in Fort Walton Beach remains under investigation, Goodwin says

“Going next to Crab Island! Your 'in'?”

Angela Michels commented on Cinco Bayou environmental incident in Fort Walton Beach remains under investigation, Goodwin says

“This is what Grok says: A hypoxic/anoxic (low- or no-oxygen) event in the water column and/or sediments, producing toxic hydrogen sulfide (H₂S, the classic rotten-egg/sulfur smell) via sulfate-reducing bacteria. This...”