LOS ANGELES – The LMU baseball team had three selections in the 2023 MLB Draft with catcher Jared Thomas, right-handed pitcher Merrick Baldo and left-handed pitcher Diego Barrera all being selected. 

 

The Lions led the West Coast Conference in selections in 2023. 

 

Thomas was selected in the 15th round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Thomas slashed .305/.399/.433 during the 2023 season and was a force behind the dish with 12 baserunners caught stealing. Thomas brings exceptional power to the next level, the ability to hit for average and a solid defensive track record. Thomas also is a well-above average runner for a catcher.  

 

Baldo was selected in the 17th round by the Washington Nationals. Baldo has a live arm, with his fastball touching 95 MPH on multiple occasions during the season. He sits 92-94 with a devastating breaking ball and a still-developing changeup. Baldo is battle-hardened and an extremely tough pitcher to face as his confidence is through the roof. Baldo went 5-3 with a 4.11 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 35 innings during the 2023 season.  

 

Barrera was taken in the 20th round by the Oakland Athletics. Barrera took home multiple All-American awards and was named the WCC Pitcher of the Year during his final year on the Bluff. The left-hander sits in the upper-80s with his fastball and complements with a upper echelon changeup and an above average slider. What sets Barrera apart is his command, only walking 11 batters in 99.2 innings in 2023.  

 

These three are the first LMU draft picks since Nick Frasso was selected in the fourth round in 2020. 

WCC Defensive Player of the Year Cole Roberts also signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an undrafted free agent. The slick fielding second baseman was an integral part of the solid infield defense the Lions displayed in 2023. A light-hitter, Roberts will be a field over bat infielder with decent speed and a high baseball acumen at the next level.