Indiana University Athletics
2026 MLB Draft Gets Underway in Philadelphia
7/10/2026 10:00:00 AM | Baseball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Childhood dreams will come true this weekend as the MLB Draft begins in Philadelphia. The draft will coincide with the beginning of All-Star weekend with the first four round rounds on Saturday (July 11) and the final 16 rounds coming on Sunday (July 12). The entirety of the proceedings can be seen on MLB.com.
Since head coach Jeff Mercer began his tenure in Bloomington, 30 unique student-athletes have been selected in the MLB Draft. Former third baseman Cole Barr was picked in both 2019 and 2021 but elected to sign on the latter occasion. 17 of those players have been picked in the top 10 rounds, including former All-American outfielder Devin Taylor (2 – 48) in 2025.
A cohort of veteran arms will be hoping to hear their names called during next weekend's proceedings. Right-handed pitcher Jackson Bergman, left-handed pitcher Tony Neubeck and right-handed pitcher Gavin Seebold are among the candidates to be selected in the draft. Left-handed pitcher Brayton Thomas and right-handed pitcher Jackson Yarberry are draft eligible as well.
All of IU's incoming freshman class will in the draft pool as prep athletes. Pitchers Gavin Swartz (Bloomington, Ill.) and Luke Crighton (Rochester Hills, Mich.) are coming off of fantastic high school seasons on the mound. Crighton, a Second Team Max Preps All-American, went 10-0 with a 1.19 ERA enroute to a state title in Michigan.
In program history, no team has selected more Hoosiers (12) than the White Sox. Two teams – the Dodgers and Tigers – have never picked an IU player. IU has had at least two players selected in every full draft since 2008 (not including the five round 2020 MLB Draft).
Proceedings in Philadelphia will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday (July 11) with the first four rounds. Action will resume on Sunday (July 12) at 11:30 a.m. for the final day of picks.
Since head coach Jeff Mercer began his tenure in Bloomington, 30 unique student-athletes have been selected in the MLB Draft. Former third baseman Cole Barr was picked in both 2019 and 2021 but elected to sign on the latter occasion. 17 of those players have been picked in the top 10 rounds, including former All-American outfielder Devin Taylor (2 – 48) in 2025.
A cohort of veteran arms will be hoping to hear their names called during next weekend's proceedings. Right-handed pitcher Jackson Bergman, left-handed pitcher Tony Neubeck and right-handed pitcher Gavin Seebold are among the candidates to be selected in the draft. Left-handed pitcher Brayton Thomas and right-handed pitcher Jackson Yarberry are draft eligible as well.
All of IU's incoming freshman class will in the draft pool as prep athletes. Pitchers Gavin Swartz (Bloomington, Ill.) and Luke Crighton (Rochester Hills, Mich.) are coming off of fantastic high school seasons on the mound. Crighton, a Second Team Max Preps All-American, went 10-0 with a 1.19 ERA enroute to a state title in Michigan.
In program history, no team has selected more Hoosiers (12) than the White Sox. Two teams – the Dodgers and Tigers – have never picked an IU player. IU has had at least two players selected in every full draft since 2008 (not including the five round 2020 MLB Draft).
Proceedings in Philadelphia will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday (July 11) with the first four rounds. Action will resume on Sunday (July 12) at 11:30 a.m. for the final day of picks.
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