The 2026 MLB Draft turned a new page for Louisiana State’s right‑handed pitcher Deven Sheerin, who heard his name called by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 128th overall pick, a slot that carries a projected value of $597,400.
Sheerin arrived in Baton Rouge after a freshman season that earned him the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year honor, and after transferring to LSU he quickly became a staple in the Tigers’ bullpen.
During his lone season with the Tigers he appeared in 20 relief outings, posting a 3‑2 record, five saves and a 4.78 earned‑run average while striking out 58 batters over 37.2 innings.
A knee injury forced him to miss most of the 2025 campaign, but the recovery period proved transformative; when he returned in 2026 his fastball was noticeably sharper, regularly sitting in the high 90s and even brushing 100 miles per hour.
A Fastball That Speaks Volumes
What sets Sheerin apart is not just the raw speed of his heater but the consistency with which he delivers it, a trait that scouts say could translate into a reliable late‑inning option for Philadelphia.
Beyond the statistics, his journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience. From a conference‑rookie award to a mid‑season injury, from a transfer that required adaptation to a draft day moment that caps a three‑year ascent, Sheerin’s story is one of steady progression.
The Phillies will now look to integrate him into a pitching staff that has been rebuilding through both the farm system and strategic draft picks, hoping his high‑velocity repertoire can complement an emerging core of arms.