The second day of the 2026 MLB Draft brought a wave of excitement to Lynchburg, Virginia, as Liberty University’s standout players heard their names called.
Draft Day Highlights
Tanner Marsh, the 2026 CUSA Player of the Year, was selected in the ninth round with the 261st overall pick by the Athletics. The shortstop capped a collegiate career that featured a .336 batting average, 89 hits and a school‑record 70 runs scored, while also becoming the 22nd Flame to reach 200 career hits.
Right‑hander Tyler August followed with a 16th‑round selection at the 494th spot, also by the Athletics. August finished the season 7‑0 with a 3.47 ERA across 28 appearances, providing a reliable arm that helped the Flames close the year at 43‑21.
Josh Swink, a versatile pitcher, was taken in the 17th round by the Colorado Rockies with the same 494th overall slot. He posted a 3‑3 record and a 4.15 ERA over 21 outings, adding depth to a pitching staff that finished the campaign with a program‑tying win total.
Program Milestones
The trio’s selections underscored Liberty’s sustained impact on the draft, a program that has produced 83 major‑league prospects over its 53‑year history. The Flames’ 43‑21 record this season matched the school’s best mark, a milestone achieved through a blend of offensive firepower and steady pitching.
The program’s momentum carries forward as these players transition to professional ranks, promising to keep Liberty at the forefront of collegiate baseball development.