Being a long-time fan of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, I’ve seen amazing talent on their baseball team. Every year, players move up to the pro level. This shows how well Wake Forest teaches and grows players. In the 2023 MLB draft, the Demon Deacons did exceptionally well. They broke their own record with1 10 players picked, including two in the first round. Rhett Lowder was chosen 7th by the Cincinnati Reds, and Brock Wilken was 18th by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Lowder was named the ACC Pitcher of the Year twice. He had an ERA under 2.00 and 15 wins in 2022. Wilken, who holds the ACC career home run record,1 had amazing stats in college. He had a 1.313 OPS and a .506 OBP. The Brewers were lucky to get him. After the first round, other great pitchers from Wake Forest were also chosen. Sean Sullivan went to the Colorado Rockies as the 46th pick. Seth Keener was picked 84th by the Chicago White Sox. Teddy McGraw joined the Seattle Mariners as the 92nd pick. The team also saw a few position players drafted. Bennett Lee went 170th to the Detroit Tigers. Camden Minacci was chosen 174th by the Los Angeles Angels. Tommy Hawke was the 188th pick from Wake Forest, heading to the Cleveland Guardians. With these picks, Wake Forest had the most selections in the ACC. This proves how well Wake Forest prepares its players for the big leagues.
Record-Breaking Draft Success
In 2023, Wake Forest baseball celebrated big. A total of 10 of their players were picked in the MLB draft. This included stars like Rhett Lowder and Brock Wilken who became first-round picks.12 Lowder, known for his pitching, went 7th to the Reds. Wilken, a powerful batter, was chosen 18th by the Brewers.2 Lowder had an amazing season in 2022, with an ERA under 2.00 and 15 wins. Wilken shone with a 1.313 OPS and .506 OBP, showing his hitting power.1
A Pitching Pipeline to the Pros
The draft also highlighted Wake Forest’s strong pitching talent. The Rockies picked Sean Sullivan in the second round. He had a great season and set a school strikeout record.12 The White Sox and Mariners chose Seth Keener and Teddy McGraw in the third round. Keener made the All-American Third Team. Despite an injury, McGraw was still highly valued.
Wake Forest is becoming known for its pitching, with its advanced lab and coaching. Many top pitchers are choosing Wake Forest for college.2
Power Hitters Making Their Mark
Wake Forest also stood out for its batters in the draft. Bennett Lee, a catcher with a great season, was a sixth-round pick by the Tigers.2 Camden Minacci, the team’s closer, was labelled a draft standout by MLB.com. He was picked by the Angels.
Tommy Hawke, a standout outfielder, joined the Guardians in the sixth round. The draft also chose infielder Justin Johnson and outfielder Pierce Bennett, showing Wake Forest’s deep talent.12
Wake Forest baseball alumni in MLB: Paving the Way
In the 2023 MLB Draft, Wake Forest baseball alumni showed their skills once again. They had a record 10 players picked this year. This shows how the university is great at training top baseball players. Guys like Chris Young, Michael Restovich, and Will Craig have all made it big from Wake Forest.3 This success comes from the hard work of the players, the excellent facilities, and top coaches.
Collegiate Standouts Transitioning to the Big Leagues
Wake Forest’s success at the draft proves their focus on player growth and excellence. They’ve put a lot into their facilities. The Chris Hurd Player Development Center offers the latest tech and tools to help players get better.3
The team is also lucky to have a skilled coaching staff, especially with head coach Tom Walter. They push players to be their best. This teamwork between players and coaches has paid off. Wake Forest consistently sees players go pro, like those in the 2023 draft. Their history of doing well in college games also speaks for their great training approach.
Conclusion
In 2023, the Wake Forest baseball program made history during the MLB draft. They had 10 players picked, setting a new school record. This included two first-round picks, Rhett Lowder and Brock Wilken.2 It shows how dedicated the school is to developing great players who can go pro.4The school has worked hard to create a strong baseball program. By investing in good facilities and hiring top coaches, Wake Forest now stands out in college baseball.5
Wake Forest’s success continues on as its former players join the Major Leagues. This success adds to the school’s reputation as a top choice for talented student-athletes.
In 2023, Wake Forest’s baseball team had a big win with 10 players chosen in the draft. This includes Lowder and Wilken, drafted in the first round. It’s proof of the school’s dedication to sports excellence and its support for athletes. As these athletes succeed in the Major Leagues, Wake Forest’s influence in baseball only grows. It firmly establishes the school as a leader in college baseball.
Source Links
- https://wfuogb.com/20566/sports/demon-deacons-find-success-in-the-mlb-draft/
- https://247sports.com/college/wake-forest/article/wake-forest-baseball-program-record-10-from-wake-forest-baseball-selected-in-2023-mlb-draft-212697005/
- https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/06/09/chris-lanzilli-story/
- https://theacc.com/news/2023/7/9/baseball-12-acc-players-taken-on-opening-night-of-2023-mlb-draft.aspx
- https://napavalleyregister.com/sports/pro/mlb-draft-six-wake-forest-players-taken-and-karros-son/article_5353d238-2020-11ee-9f39-dff68e5bba02.html
Meet Daniel Anderson, the heart and soul behind Baseball Pro Picks. At 49, Daniel’s life has revolved around baseball, a passion that’s as strong today as it was when he first fell in love with the game. Living in the USA, Daniel has dedicated countless hours to watching, analyzing, and understanding every pitch, hit, and home run, making almost no game missed. His deep-rooted love for the sport is matched only by his commitment to sharing insightful, expert analysis with fellow baseball enthusiasts. With decades of experience and a keen eye for the game’s nuances, Daniel brings a unique perspective that enriches Baseball Pro Picks. Trust Daniel to guide you through the intricacies of baseball with the authority and trustworthiness of a true aficionado.
