The 2026 MLB Draft has turned a spotlight on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, as five of their standout players heard their names called across the early rounds.
Kade Lewis, who batted .354 with 79 hits and 58 RBIs in his junior season, became the first Demon Deacon selected, going in the fourth round to the Cleveland Guardians. Joining him were Duncan Marsten, a right‑hander who posted a 4‑3 record, 4.94 ERA and 73 strikeouts, and Javar Williams, who hit .343 with 80 hits, 17 doubles and 10 home runs, both landing in the sixth and eleventh rounds respectively.
Matthew Dallas, a left‑hander who went 2‑0 with a 2.45 ERA and 14 strikeouts before a season‑ending injury, was taken in the twelfth round by the Washington Nationals, while Dalton Wentz, who topped the team with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs, heard his name in the sixteenth round from the San Francisco Giants.
Coach Tom Walter, who has guided the program for over a decade, praised the quintet for their potential, noting that their collegiate performances have prepared them for the professional stage. "These guys have shown the work ethic and skill set that translate well to the next level," Walter said.
A Program on the Rise
Wake Forest's draft pedigree underscores the consistency of its baseball program. Since 2020, the university has seen 14 players selected among the top 50 picks, a testament to its recruiting and development pipeline.
The five new draftees add to a legacy of talent that continues to attract major‑league attention, suggesting that the Demon Deacons will remain a frequent source of future MLB contributors.