A Fresh Wave of Quaker Talent
Seven former University of Pennsylvania baseball players are carving out professional careers in the 2026 season, each navigating different corners of the minor‑league and major‑league landscape. Their journeys reflect both the depth of the Quakers’ program and the unpredictable nature of life after college baseball.
Matt O'Neill, who began his pro career within the New York Mets system before moving to the Arizona Diamondbacks, has risen to Triple‑A competition this year, a milestone that underscores his steady development since turning professional.
Jake Cousins, after stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Yankees, earned a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signaling the faith the franchise places in his right‑handed relief arsenal.
Jackson Appel, a sophomore in the professional ranks, spent the majority of 2026 on the 60‑day injured list but showed flashes of promise that have kept scouts watching his progress.
Ryan Dromboski, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, is now working his way through the Phillies’ farm system, aiming to translate his collegiate success into higher‑level opportunities.
Joe Miller, an 11th‑round pick of the Detroit Tigers, has primarily competed with the Double‑A Erie SeaWolves this season, where his performance has been noted for a blend of power and discipline.
Noah Millikan, who made a strong debut in the Pioneer League for the Oakland Ballers in 2025, is building on that foundation as he adjusts to more advanced competition.
Thomas Shurtleff, who inked an undrafted free‑agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels in July 2026, is expected to bring his collegiate experience to the Angels’ developmental pipeline.
The collective movement of these alumni illustrates how a single collegiate program can continue to feed talent into diverse corners of professional baseball, from the West Coast to the Midwest, and from the injured list to Triple‑A.