The 2026 MLB Draft delivered a landmark moment for LSU Shreveport baseball as Carlos Sanchez heard his name called in the 10th round by the Baltimore Orioles.
A Milestone for the Pilots
Sanchez capped a breakout year in which he batted .388, launched 12 home runs, drove in 82 runs and amassed 45 extra‑base hits, a performance that earned him Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Year and first‑team All‑American accolades.
The selection marks the highest draft position ever achieved by a player from the Shreveport program, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Chase Wentz, who was taken in the 18th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010.
Jared West, another standout from the Pilots roster, also received recognition during the draft cycle, underscoring the program’s growing presence in professional baseball circles.
Orioles scouting director Mike Boddicker praised Sanchez’s blend of power and contact hitting, noting that the player’s collegiate pedigree should translate smoothly to the minor leagues.
The draft pick also reflects a broader resurgence for LSU Shreveport, a program that has invested heavily in facilities and coaching over the past decade, positioning it as a pipeline for top talent in the region.