Draft Day Brings Fresh Hope for Texas State Alumni
The 2026 MLB draft unfolded with a pair of Texas State alumni hearing their names called, signaling a fresh infusion of talent into professional baseball. Both players emerged from a program that has recently begun to attract major‑league attention, and their selections underscore the growing bridge between collegiate success and the big leagues.
Chase Mora, who capped his college career as the Bobcats’ all‑time home run leader, was chosen in the ninth round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Though his reputation was built at the plate, the Brewers envision him as a right‑handed pitcher, a role he began to explore only sparingly during his time in San Marcos. His most recent mound appearance came in May, when he contributed a brief outing in a blowout loss to UTSA, yet the team remains intrigued by his raw arm strength and competitive makeup.
Rashawn Galloway, meanwhile, earned a 16th‑round selection from the Houston Astros. Primarily a right‑field presence during his senior season, Galloway posted a .318 average and a .948 OPS, while also delivering 11 homers. The Astros drafted him as a catcher, a move that reflects their desire to harness his defensive versatility and his knack for making contact at the plate.
A New Chapter for the Bobcats
The selections mark a milestone for Texas State, whose baseball program has historically hovered in the shadows of more prominent collegiate powers. By securing spots in the draft, Mora and Galloway not only validate the coaching staff’s development model but also inspire current underclassmen to envision a professional pathway that once seemed distant.
Looking Ahead to the Minors
Both prospects are slated to report to their respective organizations’ minor‑league affiliates in the coming weeks. Mora will report to a Brewers rookie league, where he will be evaluated primarily on pitch command and velocity, while Galloway will head to an Astros instructional camp to focus on receiving skills and game‑calling responsibilities. Success at those levels could fast‑track them to higher affiliates, bringing the possibility of a major‑league debut closer to reality.