A promising arm heads to the majors
The 2026 MLB Draft brought a familiar name to the Colorado Rockies' roster: right‑handed pitcher Sam Larson from Tulane University. Selected in the 16th round, Larson joins a lineage of Green Wave players who have previously donned a Rockies uniform, a distinction that underscores the franchise's ongoing interest in the program.
Larson's collegiate statistics reflect a solid performance across 41 innings, during which he posted a 3.95 earned run average. His four saves placed him seventh among conference relievers, highlighting his ability to close games under pressure. Across his tenure, he emerged as the team's most reliable option in high‑leverage situations.
A program defined by continuity
Tulane's draft history is marked by consistency. The university has seen at least one player selected in each of the past 15 drafts, the longest active streak in the American Athletic Conference. Larson's selection as the 139th draft pick in program history adds another chapter to that narrative, reinforcing the school's reputation as a pipeline for professional talent.
The right‑hander's journey began at Denison University before he transferred to Tulane, a move that allowed him to refine his craft and assume a larger role on the mound. His experience across two programs contributed to his development into a versatile reliever capable of handling multiple innings.
What lies ahead for the Green Wave
With Larson opting to pursue a professional career, Tulane now faces the task of replenishing the bullpen through the transfer portal. The program's recent success in producing draft‑eligible talent suggests that future prospects will continue to emerge, maintaining the school's presence in the MLB pipeline.