As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, Auburn baseball commit Coleman Borthwick has positioned himself as one of the nation’s top high school prospects.
The South Walton High School right-hander is ranked No. 43 on MLB prospect rankings and is projected to be selected in the first round after a dominant senior season in which he went 11-0 with a 0.21 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 65 innings.
He also starred at the plate, batting .460 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs en route to a FHSAA state championship.
Over 129 varsity games, Borthwick compiled a .459 career batting average with 164 hits, 145 RBIs and 20 home runs.
For coaches around the Panama City area, Borthwick’s rise has come as little surprise.
Mosley’s Doug Lee, Bozeman’s Bryan Normand and Arnold’s Chris Jones spent years trying to game plan against South Walton’s standout.
“The first thing that resonates for me, as far as what separates him from a lot of guys, is just his size, his strength and his athleticism,” Lee said.
Standing 6-foot-6, Borthwick’s physical presence immediately catches the eye. Lee said it’s the way he moves that makes him unique.
“That’s exactly what I mean by athleticism,” Lee said on Borthwick’s ability to steal bases. “He will surprise you with his speed and athleticism with the size that he brings to the table.”
Normand saw the same traits.
“Coleman is a rare player and someone with his ability is hard to come by,” Normand said. “One of the things that stands out to me is seeing a guy who’s 6-foot-6 playing shortstop. That just speaks to his athleticism.”
Arnold coach Chris Jones has had a front-row seat to Borthwick’s development throughout his high school career.
“Since day one as a ninth grader, Coleman made a tremendous impact on the game,” Jones said.
Before establishing himself as one of the country’s top pitching prospects, Borthwick contributed all over the field for South Walton.
“His presence alone is kind of intimidating to opponents,” Lee said.
Normand said hitters understood the challenge as soon as Borthwick took the ball.
“Hitters facing him on the mound knowing that he’s throwing upper 90s know that they’re going to have to work just to put a ball in play,” Normand said.
Jones said Borthwick’s success on the mound has always been about more than just velocity.
“As a pitcher, the thing I think that stands out is that he is a bulldog and really attacks the strike zone,” Jones said. “He used to be low to mid-90s. I guess nowadays more upper 90s, but always had a great breaking ball and just the competitive nature that you’re always looking for. Just a gamer.”
Lee believes Borthwick’s competitive drive is another trait that separates him from many talented players.
“I think Coleman is a fierce competitor,” Lee said. “In this day and world we live in, especially in the travel ball world, that ‘I refuse to lose’ attitude is sometimes hard to find in a player. I think he has that about him.”
Even when Borthwick wasn’t on the mound, Jones said he created problems for opposing coaches.
“At the high school level at least, he was also just an amazing hitter with legitimate power,” Jones said. “Not sure if whatever organization gets him is going to let him play both ways, but he was an incredibly difficult out for us to get over the last four years regardless of who was on the mound for Arnold.”
While Borthwick’s talent has drawn the attention of professional scouts, both coaches were just as complimentary of the person behind the player.
“In my dealings with him, I think a lot of him just as a kid,” Lee said. “I know he’s got a great career ahead of him in the game of baseball, but he’s such a well-mannered and respectful kid.”
Lee credited Borthwick’s family for helping shape that character.
“I think that speaks volumes of his parents,” Lee said. “I know his dad’s been his coach, his mom’s been his principal, and I think that speaks volumes about how they’ve raised him.”
Normand agreed with the character of the prospect.
“It’s been fun to watch him grow and develop but also to see him stay humble and always being respectful to all players and coaches,” Normand said. “I wish him the absolute best.”
Jones echoed those sentiments, saying Borthwick’s attitude matched his talent.
“He also seemed like a great teammate, always seemed to have a great attitude, and just loved the game,” Jones said.
Borthwick remains committed to Auburn, but his draft position could make the decision between college and professional baseball a difficult one.
“I think that’s got to be a family decision and, ultimately, his decision,” Lee said. “I’m sure they’ve got a number in mind that would maybe make the decision to go pro instead of going the collegiate route.”
Lee believes Borthwick has all the tools to justify an early selection.
“Again, I think that’s what makes him a first-rounder,” Lee said. “As far as the opportunity to play in the big leagues one day, I think he’s got a real shot to do that because of his size, athleticism and all the things he brings to the table.”
The draft will begin Saturday, July 11, to kick off MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Before MLB Draft, Bay County coaches knew Borthwick was different
Reporting by Adebanji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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By Adebanji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald | USA TODAY Network
