Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn finds himself at a pivotal decision point as the 2027 draft cycle unfolds, with right‑hander Carson Wiggins emerging as a focal point of the conversation.
Wiggins, who underwent Tommy John surgery last season, is currently ranked No. 84 in the draft and carries a slot value of $973,700, a figure that reflects both his potential and the risk associated with his recent procedure.
Van Horn notes that, had Wiggins been fully healthy during the 2026 Lawrence Regional, the team could have leveraged his presence to secure a decisive victory, a scenario that still fuels his optimism about the pitcher’s upside.
The Allure of a Potential Top‑Five Pick
If the Arkansas ace elects to forgo the draft and return for another college season, his performance could propel him into the top five selections, a shift that would dramatically reshape the draft board and elevate the program’s national profile.
The program has bolstered its pitching staff this offseason, adding seven arms through the transfer portal and junior‑college signings, a move that underscores the administration’s confidence in retaining talent despite professional overtures.
Van Horn points to the increased resources and support staff that have made Arkansas an attractive destination, even as Major League scouts continue to monitor the roster for emerging arms.
The coach also recalls the loss of Dylan Grego to the draft a year ago, highlighting the fine line between development and departure that the team must navigate each cycle.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on health, projected draft position, and the player’s personal goals, all of which remain fluid as the 2027 season approaches.