The Georgia Bulldogs capped a historic 2026 MLB Draft by having 10 players selected on the second and final day, giving the program a nation-leading 13 draft picks and setting a new school record for the most players chosen in a single draft.
The record-breaking performance reflects one of the greatest seasons in program history after Georgia finished 53-14, captured both the SEC regular-season and tournament championships, advanced to the College World Series, and ended the year ranked No. 3 nationally in the final polls.
The Bulldogs also extended another remarkable streak, producing at least one professional signing for 52 consecutive seasons while maintaining a run of having at least one player drafted every year since 1987.
Ten Bulldogs Selected on Day 2
The second day of the draft featured 10 Georgia players hearing their names called across multiple rounds.
Right-handed reliever Justin Byrd was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth round (170th overall) after serving as one of the anchors of Georgia’s dominant bullpen.
The Texas Rangers added two Bulldogs, selecting right-handed pitcher Caden Aoki in the seventh round (207th overall) before drafting standout shortstop Kolby Branch in the eighth round (237th overall).
Just two picks after Aoki, the Kansas City Royals chose right-hander Dylan Vigue with the 209th overall selection, while the Seattle Mariners drafted infielder Ryan Wynn later in the seventh round at No. 220.
The Cleveland Guardians selected veteran pitcher Matt Scott in the eighth round (243rd overall) before the Pittsburgh Pirates picked All-American infielder Tre Phelps in the ninth round (258th overall).
The Arizona Diamondbacks continued the Bulldogs’ draft success by taking left-hander Caleb Jameson in the 12th round (356th overall).
Outfielder and two-way player Kenny Ishikawa was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the 13th round (392nd overall), while catcher/first baseman Brennan Hudson rounded out Georgia’s selections after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 20th round (607th overall).
Bulldogs Rewarded for Historic Season
Several of Georgia’s draftees played instrumental roles during one of the finest campaigns in school history.
Byrd emerged as one of college baseball’s premier relievers, posting a 6-2 record, 3.73 ERA, eight saves, and 77 strikeouts while limiting opponents to a .194 batting average. He elevated his performance even further during the postseason, recording a 0.79 ERA with two victories and two saves over five appearances.
Aoki became one of the Bulldogs’ most reliable starters, finishing 9-2 with a 4.08 ERA, 110 strikeouts, and three saves. The graduate transfer also threw a complete game against eventual national champion Oklahoma in Georgia’s final College World Series appearance and earned Second-Team All-America honors.
Vigue strengthened the starting rotation in his first season with Georgia, compiling a 4-1 record, 77 strikeouts, and delivering a pivotal performance against Texas in the College World Series by striking out eight over four innings during a combined shutout victory.
Wynn made an immediate impact after transferring from Wofford, batting .323 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and earning NCAA Athens Regional All-Tournament Team honors after an explosive postseason performance.
Branch completed one of the greatest careers by a Georgia shortstop. The Gold Glove winner finished with 50 career home runs, 159 RBIs, and a school-record .972 fielding percentage at shortstop. His final collegiate hit was a home run during the College World Series, capping an outstanding career that also earned him a spot on USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team.
Phelps concluded his Bulldogs career as one of the nation’s premier hitters, batting .348 with 19 home runs while setting a school record after being hit by 35 pitches during the season. He also compiled a team-best 27-game hitting streak and earned First-Team All-America, First-Team All-SEC, and SEC All-Defensive Team honors.
Scott contributed valuable innings throughout the season, posting a 7-0 record, five saves, and 76 strikeouts, while Jameson provided bullpen depth with 26 strikeouts in just 17⅔ innings.
Ishikawa showcased his versatility by contributing both as an outfielder and pitcher despite missing time with a foot injury. He finished with a .336 batting average and also delivered one of Georgia’s strongest performances during the College World Series.
Hudson closed his collegiate career by batting .294 with a career-high 22 home runs while earning NCAA Athens Regional Most Valuable Player honors after a dominant offensive showing.
Signing Deadline Approaches
The newly drafted Bulldogs now have until July 27 to finalize contracts with their respective MLB organizations. Players who choose not to sign retain additional eligibility options depending on their future collegiate decisions.
With 13 players drafted, a school-record 53 victories, SEC championships, and a third-place finish at the College World Series, the 2026 Georgia Bulldogs have cemented themselves as one of the most successful teams in program history while further strengthening the university’s reputation as one of college baseball’s premier talent producers.
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