Wes Mendes was the best pitcher in the ACC in 2026, and the Houston Astros have high expectations for the lefty, taking him in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Astros amateur scouting director Cam Pendino discussed their entire draft class and explained why they wanted the former FSU ace.
“Really exciting combination of strikes, fastball and changeup quality, execution to both sides and he really took a step forward this year. From the left side, we think he’s got a chance to be a rotation piece. We think he’s going to move relatively quickly.”
They drafted Mendes with the No. 57 overall pick, making him the highest-drafted FSU player before Myles Bailey went later in the round to the Chicago Cubs. He was FSU’s Sunday starter in 2025 before his breakout junior season, becoming the ACC Pitcher of the Year and earning numerous All-American honors.
He finished the year with a 2.81 ERA in 93.0 innings, going 9-1 in 16 starts. He held opponents to a .207 batting average and struckout 125 batters and walked 25. He consistently pitched deep into games for the Seminoles, setting the tone for the rest of the series as their Friday night starter.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Houston Astros expect Wes Mendes to ‘move relatively quickly’
