Armani Guzman, the standout shortstop who helped West Virginia University reach the College World Series, has confirmed he will be back for his senior year in Morgantown.
His .321 average, 45 RBIs and a school‑record 42 stolen bases made him one of the most dynamic players in the Big 12, and his decision to return adds a potent mix of speed and power to the Mountaineers’ lineup.
Draft Highlights and MLB Outlook
The draft buzz didn’t stop there. Paul Schoenfeld, who transferred from a Division II program, was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round, while right‑hander Ian Korn went to the San Francisco Giants in the tenth. Both contributed heavily to the team’s success, with Schoenfeld batting .327 and knocking in 52 runs, and Korn posting a 6‑1 record and a 3.39 ERA.
Incoming transfer Owen Henne, a shortstop from Seton Hill, was taken by the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth round after a .401 season that included five homers and 39 RBIs. Fellow freshman pitcher Kyle Casteel, drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 11th round, now faces an uncertain signing after his slot‑value slot was left unassigned.
The wave of selections reflects the growing pipeline from WVU to the majors, a trend that aligns with the broader reach of Major League Baseball, whose official site tracks the draft’s progress.
Coach Steve Sabins and the rest of the coaching staff are already shaping next season’s roster, eyeing fresh talent like Maxx Yehl, Chase Meyer and Gavin Van Kempen, while also keeping an eye on the development of players who may still sign professionally.