The 2026 MLB Draft has delivered a historic milestone for the University of South Florida baseball program, with three of its recent standouts selected across the first ten rounds. The selections mark the first instance in two decades that Bulls players have been drafted in consecutive years, underscoring the program’s resurgence on the national stage.
Right‑handed pitcher Ryan Pruitt was the first to hear his name called, as the Houston Astros drafted him in the ninth round. Pruitt, who anchored the Bulls’ lineup as their most consistent everyday player, posted a .281 average in 2025 and led the team in games played, at‑bats and runs scored. His blend of power and on‑base skill made him a coveted prospect for Houston’s rebuilding roster.
Following Pruitt, reliever Ethan Sutton was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 16th round. Sutton had earned recognition on the NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch list and finished the season with nine saves and 20 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most reliable closers in the conference.
Edwin Alicea, a left‑hander who spent most of the 2026 campaign as the Bulls’ Friday starter, was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 14th round. Alicea paced the staff with 60 strikeouts and demonstrated poise on the mound, contributing to a pitching rotation that helped the team remain competitive throughout the year.
Catcher Lance Trippel capped his collegiate career by signing a free‑agent contract with the Detroit Tigers. A two‑time American All‑Conference second‑team honoree, Trippel enjoyed a 26‑game reached‑base streak — the longest by any Bull in the season and the longest since 2021 — while batting .249 with 10 stolen bases in 2025.
A milestone for the Bulls
The achievements reflect a broader tradition of excellence at USF, a program that has completed 61 seasons, earned 14 NCAA Tournament berths and produced 137 MLB Draft selections, including six in the most recent two drafts. The university’s baseball legacy continues to attract talent that translates into professional opportunities.