N.J. Player of the Year passes on MLB, will come to Rutgers

Rutgers will officially get one of the top players in New Jersey next season.

On Monday, catcher Mickey Gilligan announced that he will pass on MLB opportunities and become a Scarlet Knight in 2027.

“Thankful for all the teams who reached out and gave me an amazing opportunity. But after conversations with my family and inner circle, I’m excited to hit the ground running at Rutgers University and be a Scarlet Knight! #chop”

Gilligan was not selected in the 2026 MLB Draft after being ranked as the No. 216 prospect by Perfect Game. He was also ranked as the No. 5 player in New Jersey and top overall catcher. He shared that he received multiple opportunities but will fulfill his commitment to Rutgers.

Gilligan will now be eligible for the draft once again after his sophomore year in 2028.

As the N.J. Player of the Year, Gilligan batted .639 as a senior with 13 home runs and 48 RBI. He walked 31 times as well. Gilligan ended his career at Passaic Tech with a batting average of .461 in 304 at bars. He logged 140 hits, 28 home runs, and 135 RBI.

Gilligan will join a Rutgers team that finished 26-30 this past season with a record of 13-17 in Big Ten play. The Scarlet Knights saw both Peyton Bonds and Zack Konstantinovsky selected over the weekend during the 20-round draft.