Opening Day Draft Highlights
The opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered a surprise for baseball fans in New England as six former members of the Cotuit Kettleers heard their names called, each poised to begin professional careers.
AJ Gracia, who starred for the Kettleers in 2024, became the highest‑selected of the group when the Atlanta Braves drafted him ninth overall, a testament to his breakout freshman season at Duke where he set school records for homers and RBI.
Cole Carlon, a right‑hander who posted a 1.42 ERA in 2025 for the Kettleers, was taken 39th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays, having earned All‑America and All‑Big 12 first‑team honors that same year.
Jarren Advincula, who contributed to the Kettleers in both 2024 and 2025 and led the Golden Bears in batting average, was selected 45th by the Los Angeles Angels, adding another bat to their farm system.
Caden Bogenpohl, a freshman All‑America second‑team pick in 2024, went 64th overall to the Philadelphia Phillies after a season that saw him dominate on the mound for the Kettleers.
Jack Natili, a two‑time All‑Big 12 second‑team selection, was drafted 76th by the Colorado Rockies, bringing a versatile infield presence to the Rockies’ pipeline.
Joey Volchko, named to the NCBWA All‑American third team in 2026, was picked 77th by the Chicago White Sox, capping a draft that highlighted the Kettleers’ recent talent pipeline.