The MLB Draft isn't just about building the future of the 30 professional teams.
To a certain degree, the futures of each Mountain West program are at stake, as well. A fair number of recruits from the incoming Class of 2015 had their name called during the three-day affair, including four within the first dozen rounds. Like junior athletes within the college ranks, all of these players now have a tough decision to make: Do you chase the professional dream now or fulfill a college commitment? (Note: This may not be a complete list, though it is compiled with the assistance of Perfect Game)
Player Name | Position | College Commitment | MLB Team | Round (Pick #) |
James Terrell III | OF | Fresno State | Oakland Athletics | 11 (338) |
Ruben Cardenas | CF | Nevada | Miami Marlins | 37 (1,106) |
Donnie Sands | 3B/SS | New Mexico | New York Yankees | 8 (243) |
Jonas Wyatt | RHP | San Diego State | Cleveland Indians | 6 (184) |
Shane Potter | 1B | San Diego State | Tampa Bay Rays | 29 (868) |
Gilbert Suarez | RHP | San Diego State | Atlanta Braves | 18 (540) |
Imani Abdullah | RHP | San Diego State | Los Angeles Dodgers | 11 (342) |
Jordan Verdon | 3B | San Diego State | New York Mets | 24 (719) |
Samuel Pastrone | RHP | UNLV | Los Angeles Angels | 17 (525) |
The negotiations between player and team will be worth watching for nearly every team in the conference in the coming weeks, with the deadline coming in mid-July.