Florida Gulf Coast University once again demonstrated why it has become one of the premier mid-major baseball programs in the country during the 2026 MLB Draft. Five Eagles were selected, including one Competitive Balance Round B selection, continuing the program’s impressive tradition of developing professional talent.
Since the program’s first MLB Draft selection in 2004, FGCU has now produced 44 drafted players. Among the most notable alumni are 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, Jacob Barnes (10 MLB seasons), Richard Bleier (8 MLB seasons), Casey Coleman (4 MLB seasons), and Kutter Crawford (4 MLB seasons). Under head coach Dave Tollett, the Eagles have consistently competed for conference championships while developing players capable of reaching the highest level of professional baseball.
Evan Dempsey – Detroit Tigers
Competitive Balance Round B (69th Overall)
The Detroit Tigers selected two-way standout Evan Dempsey with the 69th overall pick in Competitive Balance Round B, making him the highest-drafted Eagle this year.
A native of Tampa, Florida, and a graduate of Newsome High School, Dempsey became one of the nation’s most versatile players during his three seasons at FGCU, earning multiple conference and national honors.
On the mound, Dempsey compiled a 12-4 record with a 2.88 ERA and 207 strikeouts over 162.2 innings in 36 appearances, including 25 starts. At the plate, he hit .326 with 20 home runs, 45 doubles, and 124 RBIs across 169 career games, making him one of the most complete players in college baseball.
Hunter Possehl – Kansas City Royals
8th Round (239th Overall)
The Kansas City Royals selected left-handed pitcher Hunter Possehl in the eighth round with the 239th overall pick.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, and a graduate of Venice High School, Possehl spent two seasons at FGCU. After posting a 7.32 ERA in 10 appearances during the 2025 season, he made one of the biggest turnarounds on the Eagles’ pitching staff in 2026. He finished the year with a 3.21 ERA, a 4-1 record, and 65 strikeouts in 67.1 innings over 15 appearances, including 14 starts.
Chris Diaz – Seattle Mariners
14th Round (430th Overall)
The Seattle Mariners selected right-handed pitcher Chris Diaz in the 14th round with the 430th overall selection.
A Miami native and Miami Christian High School graduate, Diaz quickly established himself as one of FGCU’s most dependable starters during his two seasons with the Eagles. He finished his collegiate career with a 10-3 record, a 3.52 ERA, three complete games, and 123 strikeouts over 120 innings while making 22 appearances, including 21 starts.
Ashton Pocol – Chicago Cubs
16th Round (487th Overall)
Right-handed pitcher Ashton Pocol was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round with the 487th overall pick.
The St. Johns, Florida, native attended Bartram Trail High School before joining FGCU. During his two seasons with the Eagles, Pocol became a key member of the pitching staff, recording a 2.55 ERA with a 4-5 record, 12 saves, and 78 strikeouts in 53 innings across 31 appearances.
Javier Gorostola – Athletics
17th Round (501st Overall)
The Athletics selected third baseman Javier Gorostola in the 17th round with the 501st overall pick.
A native of Miami and graduate of Florida Christian High School, Gorostola developed into one of the Atlantic Sun Conference’s most consistent hitters over his final three seasons at FGCU. During that span, he batted .333 with 28 doubles, 19 home runs, and 105 RBIs while striking out just 72 times in 471 at-bats, showcasing both power and excellent plate discipline.
A Program Built for Player Development
With five players selected in this year’s draft, FGCU continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the nation’s top programs for developing professional baseball talent. From established major leaguers like Sale, Barnes, Bleier, Coleman, and Crawford to the newest class of professional prospects, the Eagles continue to prove that high-level talent can emerge from Southwest Florida year after year.
