Clemson Baseball: Four Tigers selected in MLB Draft on Monday
By John Chancey
There were no Clemson Baseball players or commitments drafted in the first two rounds of the Major League Baseball Draft on Sunday, but that trend did not continue in rounds 3-10.
Four Tigers were drafted on Monday, along with a commitment who now has a decision to make.
The Colorado Rockies were the first team to select a Tiger, picking Blake Wright with the 106th overall pick in the fourth round.
Wright was the leader of the Tigers on the field this season and scored several accolades, including Third-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
Austin Gordon was taken just a few picks later at pick 110 by the Los Angeles Angels, becoming the first pitcher selected this year from Clemson.
Gordon settled into a closer role for the Tigers this season and found his groove, earning 13 saves.
Will Taylor was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 145th in the fifth round.
Taylor opted to attend Clemson as a two-sport athlete after being drafted in the 19th round by the Texas Rangers in the 2021 draft. Injuries impacted Taylor during his college career, missing the end of the 2024 season, including the Tigers’ Regional victory.
Pitcher Tristan Smith was drafted five picks later by the Cincinnati Reds.
Smith was 2-1 in 2024 with a 4.47 ERA over 12 starts.
Clemson commitment Chase Harlan was selected in the third round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was the 98th overall selection.
Harlan must now decide whether to begin his professional career or play college ball for the Tigers.
"It'll come down to the amount of money that's right for me, financially. I've already settled here at Clemson. I love it here. It's a special place. I've got a big decision to make."
- Chase Harlan
The balance of the draft (rounds 11-20) will be completed tomorrow. More Tigers could hear their names called, including Jimmy Obertop and Jacob Hinderleider.