Throughout the 2026 Miami University baseball season, head coach Brian Smiley had an easy choice to make in high-leverage situations, senior right-hander Austin Berggren.
When New York Yankees general manager, Brian Cashman, found himself on the clock in Round 12 of the MLB draft, he too decided to call on the RedHawks No. 35.
Berggren was about as dominant a reliever as anyone in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). He tied for second in saves (7), and finished 19th in the MAC in strikeouts (61).
As expected of the modern-day reliever, Berggren works with the hard stuff. His fastball hits the high 90s as it finds its way into the zone. With the RedHawks, he posted a strike out to walk ratio of a little over 3-to-1.
In 41.1 innings pitched this season, Berggren posted an ERA of 3.65, allowing just three home runs all season. He was named conference pitcher of the week after he struck out three University of Michigan Wolverines, and six Central Michigan batters in save situations.
The native of Olathe, Kansas is not afraid to unleash a primal scream when he gets out of a jam or strikes out the side. His fiery competitive attitude bleeds into his windup.
Berggren follows through with a high leg kick, it will be interesting to see if the Yankees tinker with the motion. The New York support staff has had prior successes with Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and rookie sensation Cam Schlittler.
With the Yankees selection, Berggren became the 63rd Miami player to be selected in the draft.
Historically speaking, New York has had a strict grooming policy for their players, only allowing well manicured moustaches. Miami’s own moustachioed maestro, hopes to join pinstriped immortals like Goose Gossage, Don Mattingly and Wade Boggs who created such legacies in the Bronx.
It will be a long road before Berggren can reach the majors, he will likely start his professional career with the Florida Complex League Yankees before potentially climbing up the minor league ladder. His journey will see him pitch for the Tampa Tarpons (A), Hudson Valley Renegades (A+), Somerset Patriots (AA), and Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (AAA) all before he reaches the hallowed grounds of Yankees Stadium.
If he can reach the MLB, Berggren will become the 28th RedHawk to do so. He would join World Series Champions like Adam Eaton, Charlie Leibrandt and Bill Doran.
Berggren will join the Florida Complex League, whose season is already underway. The former RedHawk will trade in the red-and-white pinstripes, for the iconic navy-and-white as he looks to start his quest for “The Show.”
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