Three RedHawks poised to join pro ranks following MLB Draft

One Miami RedHawk was taken in the 2023 MLB Draft, which took place from July 9-11, and two more signed contracts with MLB organizations following the 20-round draft.

Left-handed pitcher Connor Oliver was taken 499th overall in the 17th round by the Kansas City Royals. After the draft concluded, right-handed pitcher Kenten Egbert signed with the Chicago Cubs, and right-handed pitcher Hudson Leach signed with the Houston Astros.

Oliver still has one year of college eligibility remaining. He could choose not to sign with Kansas City and return to Miami for one more season. Last year, he went 2-6 and led the RedHawks with a 3.89 ERA in 14 starts. He struck out 102 hitters in 78.2 innings.

Egbert earned First-Team All Mid-American Conference honors in 2023. Egbert finished his senior year with a 5-3 record and a 3.96 ERA. He struck out 90, walked 29 and gave up nine home runs in 75 innings pitched. In 2021, Egbert recorded a 1.51 ERA in 35.2 innings.

Leach had a 5.46 ERA across 31.1 innings in 2023, mostly in relief. But he struck out an impressive 14.4 batters per nine innings (k/9), putting him almost on pace with Paul Skenes (15.3 k/9 in 2023), whom the Pittsburgh Pirates selected first overall.

Oliver, Egbert and Leach will hope to replicate some of the success of other recent former RedHawks to jump to the pro ranks. Righty Sam Bachman, who was drafted ninth overall out of Miami in 2021, has already reached the major leagues and carries a 3.18 ERA through 11 appearances with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. Grant Hartwig, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Mets following that same draft, has also reached the major leagues and has a 0.79 ERA so far through eight appearances with the big club.

It has not yet been announced where either of the recently tabbed RedHawks will be assigned.

schmelj2@miamioh.edu

@jackschmelznger