Former Ohio high school baseball rivals Ryan Piech and Clay Burdette have turned a competitive past into a collaborative future at Xavier University, where both have earned spots on the Musketeers' roster ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft Combine.
Their high school matchup in the 2023 OHSAA Division I state semifinals highlighted a budding rivalry that drew statewide attention, with each player delivering standout performances that set the stage for their collegiate breakthroughs.
In the 2026 season, Burdette emerged as a first‑team All‑Big East selection, leading Xavier with 43 runs scored and 45 runs batted in, while Piech anchored the pitching staff with a 3.18 earned run average and 98 strikeouts, ranking third in the conference.
Combine Invitation
Both players were selected for the 2026 MLB Draft Combine, scheduled to take place from June 23 to 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, where prospects will showcase their talents before the draft.
The draft itself is set for July 11 and 12, coinciding with the All‑Star Game festivities, providing an additional platform for the two Xavier standouts to make an impression on scouts.
Their simultaneous presence at the combine underscores Xavier's growing influence in player development and hints at a promising pipeline of talent emerging from the program.