News Summary
With the upcoming MLB Draft on the horizon, five UCLA Bruins are in contention for selection due to their exceptional performance histories. AJ Salgado leads the group, having shown significant improvement this season as a right fielder. Michael Barnett, a right-handed pitcher, also stands out with a strong record and skills in inducing poor contact. Other noteworthy players include Payton Brennan, Ian May, and Cody Delvecchio, all showcasing unique strengths that bolster their draft prospects. The UCLA baseball program continues to uphold its reputation for producing professional players.
Los Angeles, CA – The 2025 MLB Draft is approaching, and five UCLA Bruins are poised for selection with promising performance histories enhancing their prospects. Under the guidance of Coach John Savage, who has seen 129 players drafted during his tenure, the program continues its tradition of developing professional talent.
Leading the group is AJ Salgado, a right fielder who is projected to be selected in the fifth round. Salgado had a remarkable season in 2025, showcasing his evolution as a player. With a slash line of .312/.418/.581, he significantly improved his on-base plus slugging (OPS) from .784 to 1.000. Salgado demonstrated increased discipline at the plate, raising his walk rate from 7.4% to 12.7% while keeping his strikeout rate at 19.5%. In his final season, he logged 12 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 73 total hits. Salgado’s defensive and base-running skills were also on display as he stole 13 bases, marking his first double-digit steal season, solidifying his versatility as a player.
Next is Michael Barnett, a right-handed pitcher anticipated to be chosen in the ninth round. Barnett recorded an impressive 12-1 record while pitching 86 innings with a 3.98 ERA and 75 strikeouts. Despite not overpowering hitters, his skill lies in inducing poor contact and maintaining longevity on the mound. His walk rate saw a notable improvement from 2.85 BB/9 to 2.30 BB/9, and his strikeout rate also increased from 14.9% to 20.1%. Barnett has been compared to Kyle Hendricks, a World Series champion noted for his pitch-to-contact style.
Payton Brennan, the center fielder, is expected to be selected in the sixth round following a standout season where he hit .303/.381/.487 with 41 RBIs and six home runs. Brennan’s performance was highlighted by improved discipline at the plate, leading to a significant reduction in strikeouts and showcasing his talent through 17 multi-hit games. His strong postseason showing, where he batted .455 during the Los Angeles Regional, further boosts his candidacy for the draft.
Ian May, a left-handed pitcher, is projected for a 19th-round pick. He had an 8-3 record with a 4.97 ERA across 70.2 innings in 2025. May’s capacity to perform in various roles was evident as he made 12 starts and 15 relief appearances throughout the season. His effectiveness in the postseason was noteworthy as he held opposing batters to a .244 batting average, demonstrating his ability to compete in high-stakes situations.
Lastly, Cody Delvecchio is anticipated to be drafted in the 17th round. Despite struggling with a 1-4 record and a 6.81 ERA over 37 innings, Delvecchio’s potential as a dominant reliever was seen in previous seasons. He faced challenges including academic ineligibility, limiting his opportunities during the Bruins’ run in the College World Series.
The 2025 recruiting class for UCLA includes three promising names to monitor: RHP Angel Cervantes, RHP Zach Strickland, and C Truitt Madonna. Cervantes, ranked No. 48 by MLB Pipeline, is expected to command a signing bonus of $1-3 million. Strickland, currently ranked No. 71, may opt for a professional career instead of playing at UCLA. Madonna has also impressed in the MLB Draft League, putting up a slash line of .279/.360/.512 in 43 at-bats.
It is important to note that the MLB Draft operates differently than other professional drafts, allowing players to be selected directly from high school without affecting their NCAA eligibility. The UCLA baseball program has built a reputation for successfully producing professional players while upholding a commitment to education.
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Additional Resources
- UCLA Bruins: Delvecchio Selected in 12th Round of 2025 MLB Draft
- Daily Bruin: MLB Mock Draft 2025 – Projecting UCLA Baseball’s Potential Major League Picks
- Sports Illustrated: UCLA Baseball & MLB Draft – Angel Cervantes
- Los Angeles Times: UCLA Baseball Overview
- ESPN: Ranking Top MLB Draft Prospects in the 2025 Men’s College World Series
- Wikipedia: Major League Baseball Draft
- Google Search: UCLA Baseball
- Google Scholar: UCLA Baseball 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: UCLA MLB Draft
