Jun 8, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Maryland Terps first baseman Lamonte Wade (6) singles in the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers at Davenport Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Maryland baseball team reached a school record in wins this season. With that success, four Terps were selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft.
Brandon Lowe (shortstop)
Selected by: Tampa Bay Rays
Where he was selected: Round 3/No. 87 overall
Analysis: Lowe went quite a bit higher than many thought he would. Maryland’s star second baseman was expected to go somewhere between the third and fifth round originally, but his stock was expected to take a dip when he fractured his fibula in Saturday’s game against Virginia. However, the Rays saw something that they liked as they selected Lowe midway through the third round. In 2015, Lowe hit .331 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs. He also led the team in hits (83) and slugging percentage (.542). Lowe is one of the best infielders in the nation and the Rays are a team that can definitely use some help in the future at any of the middle infield spots. It’s been documented how talented Lowe is, so a return to Maryland wouldn’t be out of the cards. However, Lowe is likely looking at a decent size signing bonus and that’s a lot to walk away from.
Alex Robinson (pitcher)
Selected by: Minnesota Twins
Where he was selected: Round 5/No. 140 overall
Analysis: Robinson was expected to be the first Terp off the board, but Lowe earned that distinction. Robinson was one of the top options out of the bullpen for Maryland this season. He posted a 1-1 record with a 1.63 ERA 27.2 innings in 2015. Robinson didn’t surrender an earned run over his first 17.1 innings. Robinson may projected to the major league level as a lefty-specialist. He has dynamite stuff and could make quite the impact if he continues to improve in the minor leagues.
More from Maryland Baseball
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- Maryland Baseball: Terps could have a few names called during MLB Draft
- Maryland Baseball: LaMonte Wade named to Southern League All-Star Team
LaMonte Wade (center fielder)
Selected by: Minnesota Twins
Where he was selected: Round 9/No. 260 overall
Analysis: When Maryland made their run to the Big Ten Tournament championship game at Target Field last month, clearly the Twins were paying attention. Minnesota snagged both Robinson and Wade on the second day of the MLB Draft. Wade is one of the most intriguing Maryland prospects in the 2015 Draft. Maryland’s star center fielder was definitely the story of the NCAA Tournament for the Terps. Wade made his fair share of sensational defensive plays as he robbed Ole Miss’ Sikes Orvis of a home run in the Regional round. Over the course of the season, Wade hit .335 with four home runs and 32 RBIs and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Regional. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Wade decided to come back to College Park because his stock could rise with a full season. Wade missed a month due to a hand injury earlier this season.
Jake Drossner (pitcher)
Selected by: Milwaukee Brewers
Where he was selected: Round 10/No. 301 overall
Analysis: The 2015 season wasn’t as kind as 2014 to Drossner. This past season, he went 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA compared to a 4-1 mark with a 2.59 ERA in 2014. Down the stretch, Drossner didn’t see a ton of action this season. His best outing came against Cal-State Fullerton when the lefty only surrendered three hits (no runs) in eight innings of work. Coming out of Council Rock North High School, Drossner was selected in the 23rd Round by the Chicago Cubs, but elected not to sign. This is a pretty high selection for Drossner, so it’s probably about a 50-50 chance he turns pro.