SEATTLE – Completing the Virginia Tech baseball team's sizable 2023 MLB Draft class during Tuesday's final day of selections, redshirt sophomore Brady Kirtner and fourth-year outfielder Carson Jones were chosen during the 12th and 15th rounds, respectively, cementing the Hokies' pick total for the week at five.
Kirtner hopped off the board at No. 366 overall into the hands of the New York Mets, who selected a Virginia Tech arm for the first time since 2012 (Brad Markey). Jones followed three rounds later when he was selected by the Seattle Mariners at No. 457 overall, becoming the Hokies' fourth outfielder to have been drafted during the last two years.
With Kirtner and Jones rounding out its five-player class in 2023, Virginia Tech tied its program record for the most selections within the opening 20 rounds of the MLB Draft (2010, 2022) – a benchmark reflective of the draft shortening from 40 to 20 rounds in 2021. Under the leadership of head coach John Szefc, the Hokies have now produced 21 MLB Draft picks since 2018, two thirds of which (14) have been called during the last three draft years.
Considering pitchers, Virginia Tech's 2023 class is the first to feature three or more hurlers who were selected within the draft's opening 15 rounds. On Sunday, right-hander Drue Hackenberg (second round, No. 59 overall) became the Hokies' sixth highest pitcher to have been selected (fifth highest by name), preluding right-hander Christian Worley's selection on Monday during the ninth round (No. 275 overall).
Adding to the prestige of Tech's 2022 NCAA Super Regional team, Kirtner and Jones are the ninth and 10th draft picks to hail from last year's roster, which also produced New York Mets undrafted free agent signee Jordan Geber (pitcher). Third baseman and designated hitter Carson DeMartini is expected to tack onto the count next summer when he becomes draft eligible in 2024.
After redshirting during the 2021 season, Kirtner – a native of nearby Christiansburg, Virginia – made 18 relief appearances in 2022, notching 21 strikeouts across 16 innings and sporting a .220 opposing batting average. This past spring, he was the Hokies' most utilized reliever (23 appearances), racking up 36 strikeouts through 25 and one-third innings pitched while toeing a 4.62 ERA.
Jones graced Blacksburg for four seasons, emerging as a reliable power bat late in May 2022 when he hammered seven home runs during a memorable five-game stretch. The native of Glen Allen, Virginia, batted .306 and slugged .657 during his final two seasons at Tech, finishing his career by compiling 20 doubles, 24 home runs, 86 RBIs and scoring 91 runs with the Hokies.
