On Monday, 21-year-old Peyton Prescott’s dreams became a reality as the New York Mets selected him in the fifth round of the MLB Draft. His innate skills, tireless dedication, and steadfast support from family and friends have paved the way for his opportunity to compete at the highest level of professional baseball.
Getting picked in the 2025 MLB Draft? That’s the payoff after years of sweat, pushing through rough patches, and stacking up wins that got scouts buzzing everywhere.
“I’ve never seen the Mets win a World Series, so now I want to help them win one,” Prescott told Sebastian Daily. He’s a lifelong Mets fan.
Roots in Sebastian, Florida: The Early Years
When Peyton was just 7, he fell hard for baseball, jumping into the Sebastian River Area Little League at the Sebastian Barber Street Sports Complex. There, he was coached by his father, Patrick Prescott, who also guided Peyton’s older brother, Patrick Prescott Jr., through the same program. The family support provided a foundation of encouragement and discipline.
When he was 8, his father formed a travel team with the Sharks Baseball Organization to increase the competition. This early step opened doors, landing Peyton on the Prospects team where ex-MLB guy Mickey Brantley took him under his wing. Brantley’s expertise in player development helped refine Peyton’s skills and build his confidence on the pitcher’s mound.
Things clicked in 2016 at the big Cooperstown tourney. Under the guidance of Rob Murphy, he honed his pitching abilities—a relationship that continues to influence his growth today.
“You could definitely see that Peyton had a high level of athletic skill even as young as age 12. The thing that always made me believe that Peyton would find success on the baseball field was his desire to excel. He has that internal motivation that all successful people have,” Murphy said.
Elite Training and Family Sacrifices
Once Peyton’s talent really started to show, he hopped around a few high-level travel teams before settling in with the Canes Baseball Organization. That’s where he linked up with pitching coach Charles Brown back in 2018. Brown has been important in Peyton’s life, serving not just as a coach but as a mentor who fine-tuned his mechanics, mental toughness, and overall approach to the game.
“Peyton is a great player, a great teammate, and a coach’s dream. Peyton is the true definition of a competitor. Old school, always dirty, a true fighter. This opportunity is just another feather in his cap,” Coach Brown said.
To give Peyton every advantage, the Prescott family went all in to set him up right—they sold their home in Vero Lake Estates. They relocated to Orlando so he could attend TNXL Baseball Academy, a powerhouse program known for producing elite talent. The investment paid off handsomely, with Peyton contributing to back-to-back championship teams in 2022 and 2023.
“Peyton was always a true competitor while at TNXL. His work ethic and leadership on and off the field were unmatched. He was always very respectful and ready to get to work. He will be a very successful professional baseball player. But more importantly, he is a great human,” said Brian Martinez, Founder/Head Coach of TNXL.
School Dominance and Collegiate Rise
Peyton played baseball for Sebastian River Middle School (2018–2019), where he helped secure a District Championship under head coach J.R. Alexander. He then played for Sebastian River High School in 2021, earning the Cy Young Award and leading his team to another District Championship. In a dramatic highlight, Peyton smashed a go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning of the title game, cementing his status as a local hero.
According to Alexander, he knew very early on that Peyton was destined for great things. At first, it was the little things that caught his attention. The high level of skill was always evident in his three years at the middle school level, but it was his thirst for knowledge and leadership that truly set him apart from everyone else.
“When his hyper middle school teammates would be goofing around or not paying attention to instruction, he would be sitting at the front, listening to the coaches, and if anyone dared to be disruptive, Peyton would be vocal and tell them to stop. And they would. Peyton was there to be the best he could be, even if that meant putting aside his social life to do it. After practices, whether it was a hard one or an easy one, Peyton would be there to shake my hand and thank me for my time. After games, whether we won or lost, Peyton would be there to shake my hand and thank me for my time. And of course, after the big wins that we had, a hug would be in order,” he said.
Alexander said that even after the hug, Peyton would still shake his hand and thank him for his time. “He certainly left a major impression on me, and I’m thankful for my time with him.”
College kicked off at Jacksonville University in 2024, where he was a starter and a reliever. Peyton wasted no time shining—grabbing ASUN Pitcher of the Week and a spot on the All-Freshman Team as a solid starter.
He then transferred to Florida State University in 2025, earning a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team while serving as a vital relief pitcher. Clocking fastballs up to 100 mph, Peyton was on a meteoric rise—until a setback in the form of Tommy John surgery, performed by renowned Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Sports Medicine. This surgery, a common procedure among pitchers, will strengthen him more.
National Spotlights and MVP Honors
In 2022, Peyton was named MVP at the Perfect Game Jupiter Qualifier, holding his own against the country’s top young players. The following year, he claimed MVP honors at the National Academy Championship.
A Bright Future with the Mets
The New York Mets’ decision to draft Prescott is based on their view of him as a high-velocity pitcher with command and poise beyond his years. Scouts praise his work ethic and ability to bounce back from adversity, qualities that have been honed through years of elite coaching and family support.
Peyton’s journey to the Major League Baseball is not only a result of exceptional talent but also elite coaching and an undeniable work ethic. With the Mets investing in his future, baseball fans in Sebastian — and beyond — will be watching his career closely.
Disclosure: In the interest of full transparency, the author of this article, Andy Hodges, is the uncle of Peyton Prescott, who was recently drafted by the New York Mets.
