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UCLA Baseball: A record 13 Bruins taken in the 2019 MLB Draft

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Jack Stronach #6 of UCLA smiles as he heads for home plate during a baseball game against University of Washington at Jackie Robinson Stadium on May 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Jack Stronach #6 of UCLA smiles as he heads for home plate during a baseball game against University of Washington at Jackie Robinson Stadium on May 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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The conclusion of the MLB Draft saw 13 UCLA baseball players selected, a record for the program and ties with Vanderbilt for most taken this year.

If you were not already convinced that UCLA baseball head coach John Savage was the real deal, then his production this season, mixed with the number of players he is sending to the pros should start to change your mind.

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We already know that this past regular season was arguably the best in program history and the Bruins are looking to extend that momentum into the postseason. But the Bruins would not be where they are at without the abundance of talented players on their roster, a record number of them that will be heading to the pros.

In the last three days, 13 Bruins were selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft, a record for the program. UCLA was tied with Vanderbilt for the most players taken from one school.

UCLA Baseball Player Taken in the 2019 MLB Draft

  • 1B Michael Toglia (Jr) – Colorado Rockies, 1st round (Day 1)
  • RHP Ryan Garcia (Jr) – Texas Rangers, 2nd round (Day 1)
  • 2B Chase Strumpf (Jr) – Chicago Cubs, 2nd round (Day 1)
  • IF Ryan Kreidler (Jr) – Detroit Tigers, 4th round (Day 2)
  • RHP Jack Ralston (R-Jr) – St. Louis Cardinals, 7th round (Day 2)
  • OF Jeremy Ydens (Jr) – Washington Nationals, 8th round (Day 2)
  • RHP Justin Hooper (R-Jr) – Kansas City Royals, 14th round (Day 3)
  • OF Jack Stronach (Jr) – San Diego Padres, 21st round (Day 3)
  • DH/OF Jake Pries (Sr) – New York Yankees, 24th round (Day 3)
  • RHP Nate Hadley (R-Sr) – Minnesota Twins, 25th round (Day 3)
  • RHP Kyle Molnar* – Los Angeles Angels, 26th round (Day 3)
  • IF Jake Hirabayashi (Sr) – Minnesota Twins, 39th round (Day 3)
  • C Ty Haselman* – Los Angeles Dodgers, 40th round (Day 3)

* – was part of the 2018 roster

The first day resulted in three Bruins being taken in the first two rounds, something that has not happened since 1987.

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Slugger Michael Toglia was the first player taken as he went 23rd overall. Ryan Garcia, the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year, heard his name called not too long after by the Texas Rangers. Shortly after that, Chase Strumpf was selected by the Chicago Cubs.

On the second day, another two batters and a pitcher were taken as juniors Ryan Kreidler (Detroit Tigers), Jack Ralston (St. Louis Cardinals), and Jeremy Ydens (Washington Nationals) were also selected. So far, six Bruins were taken in two days. The final day of the draft topped that.

On Day 3, seven Bruins were taken in all, two of which were a part of the 2018 team. Kyle Molnar and Ty Haselman, who were not with the team this season, were selected by both Los Angeles teams; Molnar to the Angels and Haselman to the Dodgers.

Justin Hooper was the first to be selected on Day 3 and will be heading to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jack Stronach will stay on the west coast as he was taken by the San Diego Padres while Jake Pries will be heading across the country to the New York Yankees. Two Bruins will be heading to the Land of a Thousand Lakes as Nate Hadley, and Jake Hirabayashi were selected by the Minnesota Twins.

That is quite an impressive list. The next question is, how will Savage reload? That is an article for another time. Congratulations to all the Bruins selected!