The second day of the MLB Draft delivered a surge of excitement for the Houston Cougars, as four of their players heard their names called, pushing the total selections for the weekend to five. The flurry of picks not only added to the program’s recent draft momentum but also reinforced the depth of talent emerging from the university’s baseball pipeline.
Alex Solis, a right‑handed pitcher, was taken in the 14th round by the San Francisco Giants, while Ryne Rodriguez followed in the same round with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both prospects bring a blend of experience and upside that aligns with the teams’ long‑term strategies, and their selections were highlighted by the Giants and Dodgers as a testament to the players’ readiness for professional competition.
Richie Roman, a left‑hander with a solid collegiate record, was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 17th round, and Carsten Sabathia III, son of the former All‑Star, went to the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round. Their inclusions underscore the breadth of Houston’s talent pool, extending from polished arms to versatile position players.
A historic weekend for the Cougars
The draft’s significance stretches beyond individual contracts. The five selections tie for the 21st spot nationally and represent the second‑most picks from the Big 12 Conference this year. It marks the most Cougars drafted since the 2019 class, the first time since 2017 that five players have been chosen within the Top 20 rounds, and the first instance in program history where multiple position players were selected in the same draft.
Beyond the headline numbers, each prospect carries a distinct profile. Solis posted a 6‑6 record and a 6.19 ERA last season, while Rodriguez’s breakout 2026 campaign included four saves and 57 strikeouts. Roman’s 5‑6 record and 98 strikeouts, coupled with a 3.86 ERA in 2026, highlight his steady progression, and Sabathia III not only contributed six home runs in 2026 but also earned a spot on the Frisco Classic All‑Tournament Team after a .283 average performance.
The draft’s impact reverberates through the program’s history. Houston has now posted its 13th year with five or more draft picks and celebrates its 171st all‑time player selected. This latest class underscores a period of sustained growth for the Cougars, positioning the program as a consistent source of major‑league talent.