Draft Night Highlights WVU’s Talent Pipeline
The 2026 MLB Draft unfolded this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, drawing attention from college baseball fans across the nation. Among the prospects, several members of the West Virginia University Mountaineers baseball team heard their names called, marking a significant moment for the program.
Right‑hander Dawson Montesa, who transferred to WVU after a season at Adelphi, was selected 72nd overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. In his lone year with the Mountaineers he posted a 6‑5 record, a 5.38 ERA and struck out 92 batters over 77 innings, earning a reputation for durability and poise on the mound.
Another standout, left‑hander Maxx Yehl, climbed to the 91st pick in the third round, landing with the Kansas City Royals. Yehl’s collegiate career was marked by a 12‑3 record, a 2.74 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 163 innings, a performance that helped him earn Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors and a spot on the All‑American team.
Other Key Selections
Outfielder Paul Schoenfeld, a key contributor to WVU’s run to the College World Series, was drafted 236th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He batted .327 this season, amassing 82 hits and four home runs, numbers that underscored his offensive impact.
Veteran pitcher Ian Korn, a recent All‑Big 12 First Team selection, went 298th overall to the San Francisco Giants. Korn finished the year 6‑1 with a 3.39 ERA and 70 strikeouts in nearly 80 innings, earning also an ABCA All‑East Region Second Team nod.
High school phenom Kyle Casteel, a committed WVU recruit, was chosen 315th overall by the Chicago White Sox. He closed his senior season unbeaten at 10‑0, posting a 0.64 ERA and 103 strikeouts in just under 66 innings, a rare combination of dominance and control.
The draft not only highlights the individual talents of these Mountaineers but also raises questions about their future collegiate eligibility. While some may opt to sign professional contracts, others could choose to remain in school to develop further, a decision that could shape the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.