The 2026 Major League Baseball season has become a showcase for former Campbell University players, whose journeys from the Big South conference to the big leagues continue to draw attention.
Seth Johnson’s Latest Move
Seth Johnson, a right‑handed pitcher drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019, was acquired by the Oakland Athletics on August 3, 2026, in a deal that sent infielder Colby Thomas to Philadelphia. The move marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen Johnson pitch for the Phillies over the past three seasons, posting a 5.51 ERA in 2026 while battling to reclaim a spot in the rotation.
Outfielder Cedric Mullins, a 2015 draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles, was traded to the New York Mets in 2025 before signing a free‑agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2026. Over nine MLB seasons, Mullins has compiled a .243 average, 116 home runs and 164 stolen bases, establishing himself as a dynamic leadoff threat.
Infielder Zach Neto, the Los Angeles Angels’ top draft selection in 2022, has appeared in 476 major‑league games, slashing .243/.317/.437 with 101 doubles and 77 home runs. Right‑hander Ryan Thompson, a 23rd‑round pick in 2014, has logged 299 MLB appearances, going 22‑18 with a 3.64 ERA, contributing both as a starter and reliever.
Allan Winans, who transitioned to Nippon Professional Baseball after stints with the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees, is among ten Campbell alumni currently on affiliated minor‑league rosters, including pitchers David Rossow and Camden Wimbish. Their presence underscores the university’s growing reputation for developing talent that reaches the highest levels of the sport.
A Tradition of Development
Campbell University’s baseball program has repeatedly produced players who earn All‑American honors, capture Big South conference championships and leave a lasting imprint on the professional game. As the 2026 season unfolds, the alumni network continues to expand, promising further milestones for a school that has become a pipeline for future MLB contributors.