Evan Dempsey’s name lit up the draft board on Wednesday night as the Detroit Tigers called his name with the 69th overall selection in the 2026 MLB Amateur Draft. The announcement came after a whirlwind college season that saw the Florida Gulf Coast standout dominate both the outfield and the mound.
A Two‑Way Talent Ready for the Big Leagues
Dempsey concluded his college tenure by earning the John Olerud Two‑Way Player of the Year Award in consecutive years, a testament to his rare ability to excel at both hitting and pitching. His performance helped the Eagles secure multiple conference titles and cement his status as one of the most versatile players in recent NCAA history.
Analyst Carlos Collazo highlighted the pitcher side of Dempsey’s game, noting a dramatic increase in velocity and an elite spin rate on his curveball that has drawn comparisons to top prospects across the league.
Historic Context and Future Expectations
Only Chris Sale, the Chicago White Sox’s 2010 first‑round pick, has been selected higher than Dempsey among players from the same draft class, underscoring the significance of this selection. Dempsey also becomes the 40th Eagle ever drafted in the MLB Draft, a milestone that has the university community buzzing.
Joining the Tigers means Dempsey will now navigate the pressures of professional baseball while continuing to develop his dual‑role skill set. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how his college success translates to the majors, and the organization views him as a cornerstone piece for the next generation of talent.