Dream becomes reality: Five Hurricanes picked in 2024 MLB Draft

Miami, Florida – The dream has come true for five Hurricanes selected in the latest MLB draft continuing the program’s ability to elevate its players. Rafe Schlesinger, Gage Ziehl, Herick Hernandez, Jacoby Long, and Brian Walters were among those who got the call. The euphoria for the athletes and their families began on Day 2 of the draft which saw the entire weekend rotation hear their names called out.

Despite the Hurricanes’ failure to make the regionals, fans had reason to celebrate one of the milestones these youngsters must achieve to pursue the goal of making it to the big leagues. Every year, a new chapter begins for those who catch the eye of any of the 30 MLB organizations.

Moving on up

This is officially a @CleGuardians fan account!! pic.twitter.com/mhT9OA8PTB

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 15, 2024

Saturday starter Schlesinger went first during the fourth round as the 113th pick overall to the Cleveland Guardians. The lefty ended the season 5-5 with a 5.83 ERA through 15 starts. It may not seem flashy but Schlesinger struck out 73 in nearly 79 innings of work. For his collegiate career, Rafe went 9-6 including a 5.01 ERA brandishing 115 K’s within 118.2 frames. Ziehl followed him, the Friday night ace, chosen six picks later as the 119th overall to the New York Yankees.

Gage is Bronx Bound 🏙️ pic.twitter.com/2HAaoEfAKK

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 15, 2024

Gage, considered the best pitcher on the team, finished 5-3 with a 3.87 ERA in 15 starts that also saw two complete games. Over the course of 100 innings, Ziehl punched out 89. Utilized in the bullpen for freshman year, Gage transitioned into a starter as a sophomore. He wrapped up his career going 15-9 including a 4.07 ERA in 61 appearances, 31 of those starts. Rounding out the day’s successes was Hernandez with pick 129 overall, the go-to for the finales on Sunday heading to the Atlanta Braves. Herick was a transfer from Miami-Dade College and although his 3-7 record and 6.14 ERA are not much to look at, he too collected strikeouts to the tune of 95 in 70.1 IP.

Herick is ready to chop up hitters in Atlanta ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cnOGAssbeo

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 15, 2024

East and West

Got the call 📞 pic.twitter.com/WP12WREtdK

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 17, 2024

On Day 3 Long joined the group going in the 17th round as the 503rd pick overall to the New York Mets. The lone senior of the bunch, Jacoby saw a steady rise in playing time after the freshmen season at Coral Gables. For his career, Long slashed .297/.370/.437 including 15 doubles, eight home runs, 38 RBIs, and 21 steals. Walters joined his older brother Andrew Walters on the road to the big show selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 19th round and the 573rd overall pick. Brian had a rough ’23 out with injury forcing him to undergo Tommy John surgery. Jumping back in after the start of the season, Walters was a reliable reliever putting up a 3.29 ERA in 15 appearances resulting in 22 K’s in 13.2 IP.

Catch of the day: Brian Walters 💪 pic.twitter.com/fHvUXJkBXx

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 16, 2024

Last year, the Miami Hurricanes tied the program record with six players selected. Back in 2023, four bats and two pitchers were chosen only one of them a starter named Alejandro Rosario. That ensemble included Yohandy Morales and CJ Kafus. In a reversal, this crop was nearly all arms except for Jacoby.

Impressions

Coach J.D. Arteaga will have to restart from zero when it comes to the rotation but that’s perfectly fine. You always want to see the kids move on to bigger and better things regardless of the season’s result. It shows the program can still be a pipeline to the majors. This in turn is a positive draw for any potential recruit coming out of high school. The pitching staff was inconsistent throughout the year. However, the biggest reason these guys were looked at was the strikeout rate. I thought only three players tops were going to get called. It proved to be a pleasant surprise.