AUSTIN (KXAN) — Local ballplayers will take another step in trying to reach their dreams starting Tuesday when the Major League Baseball Draft Combine begins at Chase Field in Phoenix.
It doesn’t have the fanfare that the NFL or NBA combines do, but it’s still an important piece for potential draftees, allowing front office personnel for MLB clubs to see them up close and talk.
There’s a handful of Longhorns looking to head to the next level, plus some local high school stars testing their skills to see if perhaps they can break into the 20-round draft that begins July 13.
Texas outfielder Max Belyeu, shortstop Jalin Flores and pitcher Ruger Riojas are scheduled to participate in the combine. Draft-eligible prospects don’t necessarily have to go through drills and scrimmages, but it’s another opportunity to show scouts they can play.
Belyeu missed most of the season with a thumb injury following his Big 12 Conference player of the year honor in 2024, while Flores had a better season in almost every offensive category in 2024 than in 2025. Riojas shifted into a starting role this season after being one of the most effective relief pitchers in the country for the UTSA Roadrunners before transferring to Texas.
Jim Callis of MLB.com projects Belyeu as a supplemental first-round pick at No. 36 to the Twins.
Dripping Springs outfielder/pitcher Taylor Tracey is scheduled to participate. He verbally committed to the Tennessee Volunteers in 2022 and helped lead the Tigers to the 6A-Division II semifinals, and was named the District 26 MVP this past season. Johnson City’s hard-throwing left-handed pitcher Johnny Slawinski will also be at the combine. He’s committed to Texas A&M.
There are plenty of high school players from around the country who are committed to the Texas Longhorns in the combine. They are:
- Kayson Cunningham, SS, SA Johnson, Texas
- Robert X. Mitchell, LHP, Prestonwood Christian, Texas
- Jack McKernan, LHP, Fort Bend Ridge Point, Texas
- Gavin Fien, 3B, Great Oak HS, Calif.
- Anthony Pack Jr., CF, Millikan HS, Calif.
- Brett Crossland, RHP, Corona Del Sol HS, Calif.
- Grayson Boles, RHP, St. Augustine HS, Calif.
- Kaleb Rogers, RHP, SA Reagan, Texas
Fien is projected to be the No. 12 overall pick by the Texas Rangers, according to Callis. Cunningham is projected at No. 19 to Baltimore.
The combine runs through June 21 and will be broadcast on the MLB Network. The Nationals have the first pick in the draft