The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft has once again highlighted the talent pipeline emerging from the University of South Carolina Upstate, as two of its recent standouts found their names called by professional clubs.
Amp Phillips, a right‑handed pitcher from Lancaster, South Carolina, was selected in the 15th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. During his single season with the Spartans he posted seven wins and 81 strikeouts, contributing to a roster that captured both the Big South regular‑season and tournament championships.
Chris Torres, a left‑hander from West Springfield, Massachusetts, heard his name called in the 16th round by the Seattle Mariners. Over two collegiate seasons he compiled 13 wins and 149 strikeouts, helping the team secure another Big South Tournament title and its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2026.
A Legacy of Spartan Success
Their draft selections mark the third consecutive year a former Upstate player has been chosen in the MLB Draft and represent the first time since 2021 that multiple Spartans have been selected in the same draft, underscoring the program’s growing influence on the professional baseball landscape.
Beyond the statistical achievements, both players embody the competitive spirit that has defined USC Upstate baseball in recent years. Their journeys from campus to the draft floor reflect a development pathway that blends elite coaching, rigorous academics, and a commitment to excellence.
As the organization looks ahead, the presence of Phillips and Torres in professional leagues signals a promising future for the Spartans, suggesting that the next wave of talent could soon follow in their footsteps.