Four former Liberty Flames baseball players were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking a significant achievement for the program. Ben Blair, Tanner Marsh, Tyler August, and Josh Swink were all chosen in the draft, with Blair being the highest pick in program history. This achievement is a testament to the program's success and the talent of its players.
Blair, a pitcher, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the second round with the 49th overall pick. His selection is a significant milestone, as it surpasses the previous highest pick, Sid Bream, who was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981. Blair's impressive performance during the 2026 season, including a 7-5 record with a 3.53 ERA, 113 strikeouts, and a 6.65 strikeout-to-walk ratio, made him a top prospect. He was also named to the D1Baseball.com and Perfect Game College All-American teams, further solidifying his status as a standout player.
Marsh, a shortstop, was selected by the Athletics in the ninth round with the 261st overall pick. He was a standout player for the Flames, leading the team with a .336 batting average, 89 hits, and a school-record 70 runs scored. Marsh was also named the 2026 CUSA Player of the Year and the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his exceptional offensive and defensive skills. His performance included 18 doubles, five triples, 23 stolen bases, and 24 multi-hit games, resulting in 44 RBI, a .498 slugging percentage, and a .420 on-base percentage.
August, a pitcher, was selected by the Athletics in the 16th round with the 471st overall pick. He had a strong season, posting a 7-0 record with a 3.47 ERA and one save in 28 appearances. August held opponents to a .209 batting average, striking out 60 and walking 26. He was considered one of the top relievers in the nation, ranking among the top 30 in D1Baseball.com's position rankings.
Swink, a pitcher, was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 17th round with the 494th overall pick. He had a solid season, going 3-3 with a 4.15 ERA over 21 appearances. Swink struck out 60 and walked 24 over 56 1/3 innings, holding opponents to a .257 batting average. He earned his second CSC Baseball Academic All-District Team honor, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
The selection of these four players is a significant achievement for Liberty Baseball. It highlights the program's ability to develop and produce top talent, as well as its success in attracting the attention of professional teams. The Flames have now had 83 players taken in the MLB Draft during their 53-year history, with at least one player chosen in each draft since 2000, except for the 2020 draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement further solidifies the program's reputation as a powerhouse in college baseball.
The success of these players is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaching staff, players, and support staff at Liberty. It also serves as an inspiration for current and future players, demonstrating the potential for success at the highest levels of the sport. As the program continues to build on its success, it will undoubtedly attract even more attention from professional teams and further enhance its reputation in the world of college baseball.
