A Draft to Remember
The 2026 Major League Baseball draft proved to be a watershed moment for the University of Pittsburgh’s baseball program, as four of its recent standouts earned professional opportunities.
David Leslie, a right‑handed pitcher, was selected in the ninth round by the New York Yankees, becoming the ninth Pitt pitcher under head coach Mike Bell to be drafted.
Leslie’s collegiate résumé includes 18 appearances, 10 starts, 75 strikeouts in 65 innings, and a spot on the all‑tournament team at the 2026 ACC Baseball Championship.
Lorenzo Carrier, a First Team All‑American, followed with a 14th‑round pick by the Colorado Rockies, having posted a career‑best .387 batting average, 77 hits, 69 RBI and 20 home runs.
Caden Dulin, an All‑ACC Second Team shortstop, signed a free‑agent contract with the Chicago Cubs after a season that saw him bat .349 and earn a Division‑III National Championship pedigree.
Carter Dierdorf, who set the program record for walks in a single season, inked a free‑agent deal with the New York Mets, having compiled 60 walks and a .272 average.
Coach Bell’s Vision
Head Coach Mike Bell expressed pride in the players’ perseverance, noting that their development from campus to the professional ranks reflects the program’s commitment to excellence.
Bell highlighted the collective impact of Leslie’s pitching depth, Carrier’s offensive firepower, Dulin’s defensive versatility, and Dierdorf’s plate discipline as evidence of a robust talent pipeline.
The university’s athletic department and its supporters look forward to watching these athletes translate their collegiate success into professional achievement.