Clemson Baseball: Four Tigers selected in MLB Draft on Monday
By John Chancey
![Jun 2, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson teammates smile as senior Blake Wright (8) comes in the dugout, after an inning in which Wright pulled off a hidden ball trick to get an out during the top of the second inning of the NCAA baseball Clemson Regional at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports Jun 2, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson teammates smile as senior Blake Wright (8) comes in the dugout, after an inning in which Wright pulled off a hidden ball trick to get an out during the top of the second inning of the NCAA baseball Clemson Regional at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1841,h_1035,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/293/01j2wdagcy66241cnzh2.jpg)
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.
With their 4th-round pick (No. 106 overall), the @Rockies select @ClemsonBaseball third baseman Blake Wright.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 15, 2024
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/tzt8Hes2Rj pic.twitter.com/prgIXZhvC6
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.
With their 4th-round pick (No. 110 overall), the @Angels select @ClemsonBaseball RHP Austin Gordon.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 15, 2024
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/tzt8Herv1L pic.twitter.com/y5JQAB8M1U
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.
Congrats, @willtaylor_10❗️ 👏 ⚾️
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) July 15, 2024
The junior OF was drafted in the fifth round (No. 145 overall) by @Pirates❗️#ClemsonFamily 🐾 🐅#MLBDraft @MLB pic.twitter.com/JbzEmht8h1
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.
With their 5th-round pick (No. 150 overall), the @Reds select @ClemsonBaseball left-handed pitcher Tristan Smith, No. 73 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 15, 2024
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/tzt8Hes2Rj pic.twitter.com/LVMyqUAaoD
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.
With their 3rd-round pick (No. 98 overall), the @Dodgers select Central Bucks East (PA) third baseman Chase Harlan, No. 112 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 15, 2024
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/tzt8Hes2Rj pic.twitter.com/YEiPTd6DOJ
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.
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