Clemson Baseball is a program with an impressive track record in the college game and was looking to make some noise on the professional stage. The Tigers sent several players off to the 2023 MLB Draft, with many of them expected to be taken in the first round. Clemson had recruited a wealth of talent out of high school that potentially passed on their college experience. With a deep roster full of future stars, Clemson found itself well-represented at the 2023 MLB Draft and beyond. So, people were encouraged to root for their Clemson Baseball squad as their players tried to make it big in the pros!
Where did Clemson Players get drafted?
The conversation revolved around the 2023 MLB Draft and what it could have meant for Clemson Baseball. Whether it was infielder Caden Grice or a high school recruit like Dillian Head, there were sure to be plenty of potential/current Tigers on display at that year’s draft. It was exciting to see which players were selected in the first round, as many of them could have become instant impact players for their respective teams. Clemson had a proud tradition of producing quality MLB talent and the 2023 Draft was no different. So people were encouraged to get ready because it was sure to be a memorable year for Clemson Baseball!
Here are the players taken in order of the draft:
- Dillon Head – First round, 25th overall by the San Diego Padres
- Sammy Stafura – Second round, 43rd overall by the Cincinnati Reds
- Caden Grice – Second round, 64th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Copper Ingle – Fourth round, 125th pick by the Cleveland Guardians
- Ryan Ammons – Tenth round, 298th pick by the Boston Red Sox
- D.J. Uiagalelei – Twentieth round at No. 610 overall by L.A. Dodgers
Dillon Head, Outfielder – San Diego Padres
Dillon Head is a highly-rated baseball player from the class of 2023. Known for his strong left-handed hitting and impressive speed, he has already made a significant impact in the world of baseball. He gained attention with his exceptional performance at Jupiter, where he hit a notable home run that was quickly out of the park, showcasing his impressive bat speed.
He’s been recognized as an elite-level athlete, running a 6.22 sixty, which further adds to his overall skill set on the field. His athletic prowess and natural talent have separated him from many of his peers, making him a top-40 prospect for the 2023 MLB Draft.
Head’s combination of hitting ability and quickness have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 MLB Draft, and he’s undoubtedly impressed scouts with his performance as a senior. Head committed to Clemson baseball after coach Erik Bakich moved from Michigan to the Tigers, and it’s easy to see why Clemson was so eager to bring him on board. With his quality reads and routes in center field and his speed on the base paths, Head is sure to grab the attention of MLB teams come draft day.
2023 MLB Draft Position
The San Diego Padres recognized Dillon’s potential and selected him in the 2023 MLB Draft. With his 80-grade speed and defense, he is expected to be an exciting player to watch as he works his way up to the major leagues.
Samuel Stafura, Shortstop – Cincinnati Reds
Samuel Stafura is a promising baseball player from Mohegan Lake, New York. He attended Walter Panas High School and was part of the class of 2023. Stafura is known for his skills as a shortstop and second baseman, boasting a 6-foot, 187-pound frame. His agility is also noteworthy, recording a 6.42 second 60-yard dash time.
Stafura’s performance in high school baseball earned him significant recognition. He batted an impressive .562 through 26 games, with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, 27 stolen bases, and a slugging percentage of 1.200. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Gatorade New York Baseball Player of the Year in 2023.
2023 MLB Draft Position
In the 2023 MLB Draft, Samuel Stafura was drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Reds. This followed his commitment to play college baseball at Clemson University, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.
Caden Grice – 1B/Pitcher – Arizona Diamondbacks
Caden Grice, a 21-year-old two-way player, has been the center of a debate about whether he’s stronger as a hitter or a pitcher. His large frame (6’6″, 250 lbs) provides significant strength and leverage, contributing to his raw power that plays to all fields. However, his left-handed swing can get out of control. Despite striking out 97 times in 58 games in 2022, he’s toned down his approach and shows potential as an average defender at first base.
2023 MLB Draft Position
The Arizona Diamondbacks saw a lot of potential in Caden Grice. As a two-way player, Grice demonstrated notable prowess both as a hitter and a pitcher. His power at the plate, combined with his arm strength and pitching abilities, made him an attractive pick for the Diamondbacks.
As a hitter, his swing generates significant force, and he has shown good plate discipline, which could translate into solid offensive contributions at the professional level.
As a pitcher, his fastball consistently reaches high velocities and his breaking ball keeps hitters off balance. His size also gives him a unique delivery angle that can be challenging for hitters to read.
Importantly, the Diamondbacks seem to have been particularly impressed with his potential as a pitcher. After selecting him with the 64th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the team confirmed that they plan to transition Grice into a full-time pitching role. This decision indicates that they see his greatest potential on the mound.
Cooper Ingle – C/Outfielder – Cleveland Guardians
Cooper Ingle, a 21-year-old Clemson catcher, has emerged as one of the team’s best hitters after a challenging freshman year. Despite his size (5’10”, 190 lbs), which is considered small for his position, Ingle has proven himself to be a versatile player, starting games at four different positions including catcher, both outfield corners, and DH.
2023 MLB Draft Position
Ingle’s strengths lie in his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to control the barrel from the left side of the plate. His focus on putting the ball in play has resulted in a low swing-and-miss rate of just 11 percent this spring, including only 6 percent against fastballs. However, he displays little power, often making ground-ball contact to the opposite field and rarely driving the ball in the air.
Despite concerns about whether he can handle a full-time workload behind the plate due to his size, Ingle demonstrates average arm strength and potential as a receiver. He is quicker and more athletic than most catchers, showing solid speed out of the batter’s box. However, Ingle requires more experience behind the plate, having caught just 60 games in three college seasons.
Ryan Ammons – Pitcher – Boston Red Sox
Ryan Ammons is a talented left-handed pitcher from Clemson University who was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 10th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Before being drafted, Ammons had an impressive career at Clemson, where he became the team’s closer in 2022.
Ammons, a native of Easley, South Carolina, is known for his strong pitching skills and has been a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member. He has shown exceptional performance on the mound with a good number of innings pitched in relief appearances.
2023 MLB Draft Position
The Red Sox’s decision to draft Ammons indicates their confidence in his potential to contribute to the team’s pitching roster. Being drafted by the Red Sox, a team with a rich history and strong fan base is a significant step in Ammons’ professional baseball career.
Ammons’s strengths as a pitcher are primarily in his command and control. He is an excellent strike-thrower, able to locate his pitches with precision throughout an entire start. His fastball has solid velocity and he pairs it well with a sharp slider for effective strikeouts. Ammons also possesses an ability to remain composed under pressure, and his composure helps him to maintain focus when the game is on the line.
This is a great indication of just how talented this Clemson Baseball roster and current recruiting has been. Clemson players have proven time and again that they can succeed at the professional level, and this year’s MLB Draft is sure to be no different.
D.J. Uiagalelei – L.A. Dodgers
Former Clemson and current Oregon State quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2023 MLB Draft, despite not playing baseball since high school. In his high school career, Uiagalelei showed promise with a fastball velocity of 88-91 mph. His college football career did not meet expectations, leading to speculation he might pivot toward baseball after his season at Oregon State.
In conclusion, the prospects of Clemson Baseball in the 2023 MLB Draft are extremely promising. The potential influx of talents from the draft could profoundly enhance the team’s competitive edge, opening up exciting new prospects for a successful season. This scenario also presents a unique opportunity for Clemson recruiting, enabling the program to attract high-performing players who are motivated by the prospect of joining a team with a robust track record in the MLB Draft. Let’s look forward to the future, for it could be a period of unparalleled growth and achievement for Clemson Baseball.
