Wausau, WIS – The 2018 Major League First-Year Player Draft was held June 4 through June 6 and a total of 163 current Northwoods League players and alumni, including 12 Wisconsin Woodchucks players, were selected in this year’s draft.

 

“The highly developed and road-tested players from the Northwoods League were once again recognized and well-represented in the MLB draft this year,” said Northwoods League President Gary Hoover.”  “The combination of the Northwoods League model, our terrific Affiliate Club operators, and our great fans provides the best preparatory environment available for players seeking excellence.”

 

2016 Woodchuck Steele Walker was selected as the 46^th pick in the 2^nd round by the Chicago White Sox. In 2016, Walker led the Northwoods League in hitting with a .406 batting average, 47 runs, 31 RBI, 11 doubles and seven home runs and earned accolades as a post-season all-star.

 

2017 Woodchucks Pitcher Austin Lambright was selected as the 302^nd pick in the 10^th round by the Kansas City Royals. Lambright pitched 13 innings with 12 strikeouts for the ‘Chucks. Also picked in the 10^th round at number 306 was 2016 Woodchuck Cade Harris. Harris had three doubles, one home run and 11 RBI for the Woodchucks along with three stolen bases. Harris was drafted by the Colorado Rockies.

 

Another recent Woodchucks player, Trey Dawson (2017) was picked by the Houston Astros in the 15^th round at number 462. Dawson hit .267 with six doubles, one triple, two home runs and 25 RBI for the Woodchucks in 2017. Immediately following Dawson, current Woodchucks player Bryan Lavastida was selected by the Cleveland Indians as the 463^rd pick. Lavastida was impressive in the first week of the season with a .300 batting average and five stolen bases.

 

In the 16^th round, as the 493^rd pick, 2016 Woodchuck Ruben Cardenas was drafted by the Cleveland Indians. He had a .333 batting average for the ‘Chucks with three home runs and seven RBI.

 

2016 Woodchuck Cole Daily was selected as the 671^st pick in the 22^nd round by the Washington Nationals. He hit .282 with six doubles and five stolen bases with the Woodchucks.

 

Albee Weiss, who played for the ‘Chucks in 2015, was drafted at pick number 694 in the 23^rd round by the Minnesota Twins. He had nine doubles and 17 home runs with 49 RBI for the Woodchucks and played in the 2015 Northwoods League All-Star Game.

 

In the 24^th round, 2017 Woodchucks Pitcher Pavin Parks was selected by the San Diego Padres at pick number 711. Parks pitched in two games for the Woodchucks and recorded one win with a 0.00 ERA in three innings of work. Also selected in the 24^th round was 2015 Woodchuck Eli Kraus. Kraus was selected as the 723^rd pick by the St. Louis Cardinals. He posted a 2.45 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched with 14 strikeouts on the mound for the ‘Chucks.

 

2017 Woodchucks Pitcher Kellen Rholl was selected as the 763^rd pick in the 25^th round by the Cleveland Indians. He spent 21.1 innings on the mound for the Woodchucks last season and recorded 16 punchouts.

 

2016 Woodchuck Reggie Meyer was drafted by the Texas Rangers at pick number 1139 in the 28^th round. The pitcher started seven games for the Woodchucks in 2016 and pitched 44.2 innings.

 

 

A full list of 2018 NWL draftees can be found online here.

 

 

The Wisconsin Woodchucks are currently in their 25th Season. The Wisconsin Woodchucks offer many great ticket options for our fans for the upcoming 2018 season. Single game tickets and group tickets are on sale. Order yours today by calling the Woodchucks Ticket Sales team at 715.845.5055 or stopping by the Woodchucks Front Office at 2401 N. 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403.