Clemson players land in ESPN’s MLB Draft rankings, Tiger commit ranks high

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel released his updated MLB Draft rankings ahead of conference tournament week, and three Clemson-connected prospects made the list.

Clemson pitching commit Blake Bryant checked in highest among the group at No. 110 overall. The right-handed pitcher from Citizens Christian Academy in Georgia was previously ranked No. 78 in ESPN’s April outlook before sliding in the latest update.

Current Clemson starter Aidan Knaak came in at No. 129. Entering the ACC Tournament, the right-hander owned a 2-6 record with a 5.81 ERA and 88 strikeouts over 57.1 innings in 13 starts this season. Despite the ups and downs, Knaak recently became just the seventh player in Clemson history to reach 300 career strikeouts after recording eight strikeouts against Boston College on May 3.

Knaak remains one of the more accomplished pitchers in recent program history. He is a two-time first-team All-ACC selection and became the first Clemson pitcher to earn first-team honors in each of his first two seasons. After a standout freshman campaign in 2024, he followed it up with a 9-1 record and 110 strikeouts across 90.1 innings in 2025.

Left-handed reliever Justin LeGuernic also landed on McDaniel’s rankings at No. 151. LeGuernic has put together the best season of his Clemson career in 2026, posting a 4-2 record with three saves, a 4.69 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 40.1 innings entering postseason play. After spending part of the season as a starter, he settled back into a bullpen role and became one of Clemson’s more reliable relief options.

Other draft outlets continue to view Clemson’s class favorably as well. MLB.com ranks Bryant No. 61 overall, while Knaak dropped out of its Top 100 after previously appearing there. Earlier this spring, Perfect Game included seven Clemson-connected prospects in its Top 300 rankings, including Bryant, Knaak, Jarren Purify, Chase Kiker, Louis Hernandez, Talan Bell and Drew Titsworth.

The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for July 11-13 in Philadelphia and will feature 20 rounds.

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson players will be selected in 2026 MLB Draft? ESPN rankings say yes