Exciting News: Four Catamounts Shine in Monday’s MLB Draft – A Major Milestone for Western Carolina University!

Exciting MLB Draft for WCU Baseball

In an exciting turn of events, four players from Western Carolina University (WCU) were drafted in the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. Among the selected were right-handed pitcher Dusty Revis and outfielder Brayden Corn, both picked by the Seattle Mariners in the 11th and 15th rounds, respectively. Additionally, Cannon Pickell was drafted by the Miami Marlins, and Hayden Friese went to the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round.

This year, WCU led the Southern Conference with four draft picks, marking a big moment for the program. It’s the highest number of selections in a single year since the MLB Draft was shortened to 20 rounds. The last time WCU had multiple players drafted was in 2019.

Historical Wins

Revis and Corn made history as the fourth and fifth Catamounts drafted by the Mariners, placing the team third in WCU’s history for most draft picks. The top spots are held by the Yankees and Pirates, with seven selections each.

Pickell also made a mark by being the first Catamount chosen by the Marlins. He’s only the second player from WCU to be associated with the Marlins, joining Ryan Schade, who signed as a free agent in 2003.

On the other hand, Friese’s selection adds to the legacy of WCU players with the Braves, as he becomes the seventh drafted by them. Former Catamounts have a history with this franchise, with only one making it to their roster.

Standout Performances

Dusty Revis, known for his pitching prowess, recorded 121 strikeouts in his two seasons at WCU. He was second in strikeouts in 2025 and finished with a .237 opponent batting average. His stellar performance earned him a spot as a second-team All-Southern Conference selection and recognition on the Academic All-District team.

Brayden Corn made his mark in just one season. After transferring from USC Union, he started 57 games, showing impressive skills with a batting average of .312 and landing a few player of the week honors.

Cannon Pickell’s pitching potential gained attention with 33 strikeouts in 16.2 innings and a strong average of just .246 against him. He has a bright future ahead, especially after bouncing back from injury.

Hayden Friese, versatile and reliable, played multiple positions and boasted impressive stats. He finished his career as a .314 hitter and had a standout season in 2025, leading in runs batted in during the postseason.

Looking Ahead

All four players have the choice to return to school, except for Pickell, who has completed his eligibility. MLB teams must finalize contracts with drafted players by July 28.

This draft continues WCU’s strong legacy in baseball. Since 1977, the university has seen a player drafted every year except for one, showcasing its dedication to developing talent.

In a broader context, the MLB Draft remains a critical event for college athletes, with many players vying for the chance to pursue professional careers. Statistics from the NCAA show a steady growth in the number of drafted players each year, emphasizing the importance of college baseball programs in shaping future athletes.

For more insights and updates, you can check out resources like the NCAA and MLB official sites.

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