MLB Draft Recap
The MLB Draft concluded on the evening of July 14, after 20 rounds of selections by each of the MLB’s 30 teams. Coming into the draft, there were questions surrounding Clemson’s roster, as a few players were projected to be drafted. Dax Kilby, Cam Cannarella, Ryan Wideman, Lucas Mahlstedt, and Nick Frusco were all selected over the course of the two day draft.
Dax Kilby, Clemson’s star recruit, was selected with the 39th pick by the New York Yankees, ending any hope that the incoming freshman would choose the college route. Cam Cannarella, Clemson’s superstar the past two seasons, was selected by the Miami Marlins with the 43rd and final pick of the first round. Ryan Wideman, the transfer from Western Kentucky, was selected by the San Diego Padres with the 99th pick in the draft.
Lucas Mahlstedt, the Tigers’ closer this past season, was selected with the 199th pick in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Angels. Nick Frusco, Clemson’s high school recruit from Miller Place, New York, was taken in the 20th and final round by the Pittsburgh Pirates with pick no. 593. Although Kilby, Cannarella, and Wideman will almost certainly sign with their big league teams, there is a chance that Frusco chooses to play at least one season in Tigertown to raise his draft stock.
Where Does Clemson Pivot?
Erik Bakich and his coaching staff must go back to the transfer portal after losing Kilby, Cannarella, and Wideman. The Tigers knew they were not going to see Cannarella back in Doug Kingsmore Stadium next season, but still held out hope for Dax Kilby, who was graded a perfect 10 by Perfect Game, and Ryan Wideman, who batted .398 with a 1.118 OPS last season. With those two expected to sign with their respective clubs, Clemson once again has too many holes to make an appearance at Omaha.
After failing to add the necessary arm talent during the beginning stages of the transfer portal, Bakich now has to go back to the drawing board and find more offensive help along with sustainable pitching. With the transfer portal closing on July 1st, stopping any new players from entering the portal, Clemson can only go after players already in the portal. The Tigers have a tall task ahead of them if they are going to rebuild after losing three potential starters.
What Does the Lineup Look Like Now?
As of right now, without any new potential transfers or undrafted signings made, this is how Clemson would lineup for the start of the 2026 season:
C: Jacob Jarrell (pending on whether he signs an undrafted deal)
1B: Luke Gaffney
2B: Jarren Purify
3B: Tryston McCladdie
SS: Tyler Lichtenberger
LF: Nate Savoie (can also play catcher if Jarrell decides to leave)
CF: Bryce Clavon
RF: Ty Dalley (pending on whether he signs an undrafted deal)
DH: Collin Priest
This lineup has the potential to be dangerous, but without Cam Cannarella’s .360 batting average and Ryan Wideman’s 1.118 OPS, there is more room for error. Clemson would need big jumps from Luke Gaffney and Tryston McCladdie, while hoping for strong years from their transfer portal acquisitions.
Clemson’s pitching staff would look like this, although more changes are expected to be made:
SP: Aidan Knaak
SP: Talan Bell
SP: Drew Titsworth
SP: Dane Moehler
RP: Chance Fitzgerald
RP: Ariston Veasey
RP: Hayden Simmerson
RP: Jacob McGovern
CP: Joe Allen
Clemson has a strong base of players on their roster right now, but losing Dax Kilby, Cam Cannarella, Ryan Wideman, Lucas Mahlstedt, and potentially Nick Frusco to the MLB Draft has them searching for answers.
