BLACKSBURG – Eager to write the next chapter in its long-standing tradition of producing professional talent, the Virginia Tech baseball team is excited to watch as its coveted class of prospects partakes in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft, running from Sunday, July 9, through Tuesday, July 11, at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Consisting of 20 rounds for the third consecutive year, the 2023 MLB Draft will commence on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET with coverage of the first and second rounds – picks No. 1 through No. 70 – split respectively on live TV across ESPN and MLB Network.
Action will continue on Monday at 2 p.m. ET with coverage of rounds three through 10 – picks No. 71 through No. 314 – shifting digitally to mlb.com. The draft will conclude on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET with rounds 11 through 20 preceding the start of the 93rd annual MLB All-Star Game (hosted by T-Mobile Park in Seattle).
Virginia Tech is on par to extend its streak of producing multiple draft selections within a calendar year – a feat that dates back 15 consecutive seasons to 2008. According to mlb.com, the Hokies are led by two top-250 prospects in outfielder Jack Hurley (No. 36) and right-hand pitcher Drue Hackenberg (No. 200) with emerging names like outfielder Carson Jones, right-hand pitcher Brady Kirtner and right-hand pitcher Christian Worley up for consideration as well, among others.
In Hurley's case, Tech has the potential to make history as the program has yet to witness two or more players earn first round selections during consecutive calendar years (though, pitcher Brad Duvall was taken twice during the first round in both 1987 and 1988). Last summer during the 2022 MLB Draft, outfielder Gavin Cross became the Hokies' highest all-time selection when he was taken at No. 9 overall by the Kansas City Royals.
Under head coach John Szefc, Virginia Tech has seen incredible draft success as 16 players have come off the board, including nine during the past two seasons. The Hokies' 2022 class went down as the program's most historic as four (of five) picks cracked the opening five rounds, highlighted by Gavin Cross and shortstop Tanner Schobel (No. 68 overall) placing inside the top 100 selections.
Fans are encouraged to follow @HokiesBaseball on Instagram and Twitter for daily coverage of the 2023 MLB Draft.
