Jake Berkland, a sophomore outfielder and shortstop from Minnesota State, heard his name called in the 19th round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, a moment that capped a whirlwind two‑year college career.
During his tenure with the Mavericks, Berkland appeared in every one of the team’s 115 games, showcasing a rare blend of speed, power and defensive versatility that kept him in the lineup day after day.
As a freshman he posted a .316 average, scoring 66 runs and driving in 38, while his sophomore season saw his batting average climb to .366, a figure that also marked a new team high of 82 runs scored.
His impact was reflected in the record books as he amassed 74 hits, including 11 doubles and 11 home runs, and earned a place on the All‑NSIC First Team and All‑Central Region honors.
A milestone for the program
Berkland’s selection marks the 38th time a Minnesota State player has been drafted, underscoring the program’s steady pipeline to professional baseball and tying his name to a legacy that began with the first Maverick draftee over half a century ago.
The draft also revived memories of Nick Altermatt, the most recent Maverick to hear his name called, who was taken by the Chicago White Sox in the 17th round just a year earlier, illustrating a growing trend of local talent reaching the majors.