Geoffrey Gilbert heard his name in the MLB Draft on July 19.
The Yankees picked the Bishop England alum and Clemson redshirt freshman pitcher in the 13th round with the No. 400 overall pick. Gilbert, a lefty, ended his Clemson career with a 3.35 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 102 innings.
In 2022, he primarily pitched out of the bullpen but was promoted to the starting lineup for the Tigers late in the season. Despite a 5.20 ERA, Gilbert had a 5-2 record.
On July 19, South Carolina had five players drafted, including pitchers Julian Bosnic (14th round, Pirates), James Hicks (15th round, Orioles), and Noah Hall (20th round, Brewers). Infielders Josiah Sightler (Pirates, 15th round) and Braylen Wimmer (Phillies, 18th round) were also chosen.
Bosnic was supposed to be USC’s ace in 2022, but he never threw a pitch due to forearm tightness, which eventually led to season-ending surgery. After declining a large signing bonus in 2021 to come to school, Bosnic was set to leave USC for the pro ball this summer, whether through the draft or a free-agent deal.
In the offseason, Bosnic unexpectedly entered the transfer portal and committed to Arkansas. He can now choose to go to the Pirates’ farm system.
Wimmer was presumed to be gone by the end of the season. However, because his draft pick did not land as high as it could have, there is a chance he will return to USC for the next season.
Wimmer batted .312 for the Gamecocks last season, with seven home runs and 13 doubles.
In terms of recruits, both Clemson and South Carolina had highly rated prospects go undrafted. MLB.com ranked Tristan Smith, as the No. 46 prospect in the draft class. Eli Jerzembeck, from Providence High, was ranked as the No. 184 prospect available by South Carolina.
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