The opening round of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered a moment of pride for the University of Kansas, as two of its standout players were selected among the early picks.
Historic Selections
Tyson LeBlanc, the power‑hitting outfielder who set a school record with 25 home runs in a single season, was chosen 61st overall by the Detroit Tigers. The pick marks the highest draft position ever attained by a position player from Kansas and underscores the impact of LeBlanc’s all‑around offensive production, which also led the team in batting average, RBIs and stolen bases.
Right‑hander Dominic Voegele followed at pick 82, landing with the Baltimore Orioles. Voegele’s selection as the top right‑handed pitcher ever drafted from the state adds a new chapter to Kansas’s pitching legacy, capping a career that includes a single‑season strikeout record of 120 and 289 career strikeouts, the latter ranking him 11th in school history.
A Program on the Rise
Under head coach Dan Fitzgerald, Kansas has transformed into a developmental hub for professional talent. In just four seasons the program has produced 21 pro players, with 11 of them drafted in the MLB Draft, including LeBlanc and Voegele as the fourth and fifth Jayhawks taken in the top ten rounds over the past three drafts.
The Jayhawks also captured three championships this year — the Big 12 regular‑season title, the Big 12 Tournament crown and the Lawrence Regional championship — further cementing their status as a national contender. Fitzgerald praised the duo, noting that their work ethic and versatility have set a new standard for future recruits.
What’s Next?
The draft will continue on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. CT with rounds five through twenty, giving teams additional opportunities to bolster their systems with Kansas talent. Both LeBlanc and Voegele are expected to sign quickly, joining a growing list of Jayhawk alumni making an impact in the majors.