On Monday, the Washington Nationals selected FIU starting pitcher Owen Puk in the 18th round, and the Colorado Rockies selected Friday night starter Easton Marks in the 19th round of the MLB Draft.
This is the first time since 2019 that multiple Panthers have been selected in one MLB Draft. The last Panthers to be drafted were Patrick Pridgen in 2022.
“I’m incredibly proud of Easton and Owen for being selected in the MLB Draft. Hearing your name called is something every young ballplayer dreams of, and it’s a special moment for both of them,” said FIU Head Coach Rich Witten.
“They’ve set the standard for what it means to be a Panther—not just with their talent, but with their commitment to development, the work they put in behind the scenes, and the way they carried themselves on and off the mound. This is a well-deserved opportunity, and I couldn’t be happier for two outstanding representatives of FIU Baseball.”
Longevity In The 305
Puk committed to FIU before the 2022 season under former head coach Mervyl Melendez. He made 12 appearances in his freshman season. Following some encouraging results, Puk would miss the entire 2023 season (first under current head coach Rich Witten) as he underwent Tommy John and was going through the rehab process.
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native made his return in 2024 with some extra velocity under him. His fastball averaged between 95-97, topping out at 99 mph. Despite the added velocity, Puk struggled, posting a 9.69 ERA, 7.47 FIP, 9.69 K/9, and 7.69 BB/9 in 15 appearances (ten starts). Puk displayed his four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, changeup, and sweeper.
All three of Owen Puk's strikeouts this evening. All three were swinging strikeouts.#FIU #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/fHKMFiXTNK
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) April 16, 2024
Throughout the offseason, he simplified his arsenal. This past season, he threw a career-high 40 1/3 innings and posted a 4.91 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 11.38 K/9, and 5.13 BB/9 through 13 appearances (12 starts).
His season was cut short due to injury, keeping him out of the Conference USA Tournament. Puk’s walk rate went down significantly, but he will still need to lower it if he wants to succeed at the next level. He set a career-high of nine strikeouts in four innings vs New Mexico State during conference play as well.
Welcome to The Show
Following the season, Puk was the first FIU player to enter the transfer portal and commit to West Virginia. Per Puk, he will forgo his final year of eligibility and sign with the Nationals. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Thank you to all the coaches and everybody at FIU. I look forward to getting into the Nationals organization and continuing my career.”
The @Nationals got a good one 😤@owen_puk is off to the nation’s capital! pic.twitter.com/AxnQDZ1lEa
— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) July 14, 2025
Marks was selected one round later by the Rockies. He will join an organization that he likely rooted for as a kid from Denver. After struggling for two seasons at Nevada, Marks transferred to FIU and posted a 3.49 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 9.67 K/9, and 4.70 BB/9 in 67.0 innings pitched.
Due to injury, he missed the Conference USA Tournament. He was named to the all-conference first team as well.
1️⃣st strikeout the year for Easton Marks 🔥
M1 | Stonehill 0, FIU 0 pic.twitter.com/snWk96A2jR
— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 16, 2025
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