The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft concluded in Philadelphia, spotlighting Alabama’s pitching duo who came off the board in the sixth round.
A Historic Night for Crimson Tide Pitching
Tyler Fay, a right‑handed arm known for a historic no‑hitter against Florida earlier this season, was selected 169th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The slot carries an approximate value of $403,500, according to MLB.com, reflecting the team’s confidence in the 22‑year‑old’s upside.
Zane Adams, a left‑handed veteran who anchored the Crimson Tide rotation with a 4.58 ERA in his final year, went 171st overall to the Baltimore Orioles, whose slot value sits near $396,300. Adams finishes his collegiate career with a 19‑14 record and a reputation for durability.
Both pitchers leave Tuscaloosa with distinct résumés: Fay’s 13‑9 record and his celebrated no‑hitter, and Adams’ extensive experience as the most seasoned arm in Alabama’s staff. Their departures clear the way for Myles Upchurch, who remains in Alabama and is expected to lead the next wave of pitching talent.
The selections underscore the continued pipeline from Alabama’s baseball program to the majors, a trend that has seen the Crimson Tide produce multiple draft‑eligible arms in recent years. As the Pirates and Orioles move forward with their new acquisitions, the impact will be measured not only in statistics but in the cultural imprint left on a program that has become a fixture in the national conversation.