The final day of the 2026 MLB Draft turned into a celebration for the University of Georgia, as ten of its Bulldogs were selected, pushing the program’s total selections to a new school high of 13.
A Record‑Setting Draft Night
The Bulldogs capped a dominant season that included SEC regular‑season and tournament titles and a third‑place finish at the College World Series, underscoring the program’s rapid rise under head coach Chris Lemonis.
Among the notable picks, right‑hander Justin Byrd slipped to the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth round with the 170th overall choice, a reward for his 6‑2 record, 3.73 ERA and eight saves.
Caden Aoki, a left‑handed reliever, followed with a seventh‑round selection by the Texas Rangers at pick 207, having posted a 9‑2 record, 4.08 ERA and three saves.
The draft also featured Dylan Vigue going to the Kansas City Royals in the seventh round, Ryan Wynn heading to the Seattle Mariners, and Kolby Branch landing back with the Texas Rangers in the eighth round, each bringing distinct statistical footprints to their new clubs.
Other contributors such as Matt Scott, Tre Phelps, Caleb Jameson, Kenny Ishikawa and Brennan Hudson were likewise drafted, each with impressive college résumés that included career‑high batting averages, home run totals and ERA marks.
The depth of talent reflects the Bulldogs’ recruiting pipeline and the coaching staff’s ability to develop players who can compete at the highest level, a trend that bodes well for the program’s future in the SEC and beyond.