The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft brought a pair of notable selections for Virginia’s collegiate baseball scene, as James Madison University announced that right‑hander Luke McGrath was chosen in the eighteenth round by the Chicago Cubs.
A milestone for the program
McGrath becomes the first JMU player drafted by the Cubs since John Mincone in 2007, ending a 19‑year drought and underscoring the program’s rising profile.
During the 2026 season he made 24 appearances, logged 28.0 innings and recorded 28 strikeouts while also notching four saves. His most dominant outing came on March 31 at Georgetown, where he fanned a career‑high four batters.
Freshman talent heads to the Bronx
Incoming freshman Lee Garris was also recognized in the draft, being selected by the New York Yankees in the 13th round. The Yankees’ pick adds another promising arm to their developing pipeline.
Both selections highlight the growing impact of James Madison University’s baseball program, which has continued to produce talent that attracts major‑league interest. The university’s athletic department praised the achievements and looks forward to seeing how the players develop in the professional ranks.