The 2026 MLB Draft delivered a double dose of excitement for the Red Storm, as two of its most prolific seniors heard their names called on the final day of action.
Draft Day Highlights
Adam Agresti, a 21‑year‑old catcher from White Plains, New York, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 11th round with the No. 319 overall pick. Over three collegiate seasons he amassed 108 hits, 30 home runs and 89 RBI, highlighted by a .297 average and a 1.084 OPS in his junior year. His performance earned him NCAA Tallahassee Regional Most Outstanding Player honors and a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings All‑Region Second Team.
Right‑hander Liam O'Leary, a 21‑year‑old from Pennsylvania, followed at No. 438 overall, being chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 15th round. In his single season at St. John's he posted an 8‑5 record, 78 strikeouts and a 3.64 ERA across 17 appearances, guiding the team to eight wins in his final ten outings. O'Leary’s three complete games topped the conference and placed him fifth nationally, earning him a unanimous All‑Big East First Team selection and ABCA/Rawlings All‑Region First Team honors.
Historic Significance
Their selections mark the first time since 2019 that two or more St. John's players have been drafted in the same season, underscoring the program’s resurgence and its ability to develop talent capable of competing at the highest levels of professional baseball.
Agresti will now enter the Angels’ minor league system, which is anchored by top prospect Tyler Bremner, while O'Leary joins a Pirates organization that has recently produced standouts such as Paul Skenes and Konnor Griffin. Both prospects are expected to begin their professional campaigns in the coming weeks, with scouts already tracking their adjustments to wood‑bats and new pitching environments.
The draft achievements not only highlight individual excellence but also reflect the growing pipeline of talent emerging from St. John's, a trend that could see more Red Storm alumni making impact in the majors in the years ahead.