Seven Gulls Drafted in 2026 Draft

When playing for the Newport Gulls, there is a saying that goes, “The Major League stars of tomorrow are born right here.” The hard work, dedication, and sacrifice put forth by every player all lead to one dream—the opportunity to hear their name called during MLB Draft weekend. For seven former Gulls this year, that dream became a reality as they took the next step toward professional baseball after spending part of their collegiate careers in Newport.

The first former Gull selected was Cal Randall. The right-handed pitcher from UCLA was chosen by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth round with the 146th overall pick. Randall pitched for the Newport Gulls during the 2024 championship season, making six appearances in the blue and orange. His best season with the Bruins came this past spring, when he went 3-0 with an ERA just over 3.00 in 31 innings of work. The power arm he displayed for both UCLA and the Gulls helped make him an attractive prospect, ultimately leading to his selection by the Cardinals.

The next former Gull to hear his name called was Mike Anderson. The Penn State infielder was selected just three picks after Randall in the fifth round with the 149th overall pick by the Texas Rangers. Anderson played first base for the Gulls during their 2023 championship season, helping bring another title to Cardines Field. He earned First Team All-Big Ten honors this past spring after an outstanding season with the Nittany Lions and now begins his professional career with the Rangers organization.

One of the biggest names in college baseball this summer has been Kolby Branch. The Georgia Bulldog was selected by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round with the 237th overall pick. After ending his collegiate career with a memorable home run in the College World Series, Branch realized another lifelong dream by being drafted. The middle infielder played for Newport during the 2023 championship season and has enjoyed an unforgettable year that included a run to Omaha, earning a spot on Team USA, and now beginning his professional baseball journey.

Next on the list is Wyatt Danilowicz. The left-handed pitcher from Louisville was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth round with the 249th overall pick. Danilowicz was another key member of Newport's 2023 championship team and finished his collegiate career by making 60 appearances over his final two seasons with the Cardinals. His consistency and experience earned him the opportunity to continue his baseball career at the professional level.

One of the biggest fan favorites to wear a Gulls uniform in recent years was Adam Agresti. The power-hitting catcher from St. John's joined Newport midway through the 2025 season and immediately made an impact. Agresti enjoyed a monster spring with the Red Storm, helping St. John's reach the Super Regionals while delivering several clutch home runs throughout the season. He brought that same intensity to Newport, where he became a leader during the Gulls' postseason run. Although the team fell short in the NECBL semifinals, Agresti battled until the final out and provided countless memorable moments for Gulls fans, including several clutch hits throughout the summer. He will remain in red and white after being selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 11th round with the 319th overall pick.

Two more former Newport Gulls were selected in the 19th round, just five picks apart. Andrew Duncan, the outfielder from the University of Tennessee, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 558th overall pick. Duncan played for Newport during the 2024 championship season and helped bring another title to Cardines Field.

Just five picks later, right-handed pitcher David Horn Jr. was selected after finishing his collegiate career at Middle Tennessee following his time at Vanderbilt. Horn Jr. pitched for the Gulls during the 2023 season and was another important contributor to Newport's championship run, making him one of several members of the back-to-back championship teams to hear his name called during the draft.

The draft weekend wasn't finished there. Two additional former Gulls signed professional contracts as undrafted free agents. Tyler Minnick signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after playing on Newport's 2024 championship team, while Michael Gupton signed with the Chicago Cubs following his standout 2025 summer with the Gulls. Gupton delivered several clutch hits throughout the season, including a three-home run game against Danbury and another key home run against Martha's Vineyard during the NECBL playoffs.

College baseball players don't come to Newport simply to play summer baseball. They come to develop, to learn, and to grow. There is something special about Newport and the tradition that comes with wearing a Newport Gulls uniform. Players leave Cardines Field not only as better baseball players but as more experienced young men prepared for the next chapter of their careers.

The journey to professional baseball is never easy. It requires years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. But when that phone rings on draft day or the opportunity to sign a professional contract presents itself, every early morning, every workout, and every challenge becomes worthwhile.

For these former Newport Gulls, being drafted or signing professionally marks another milestone in their baseball journey. While their paths now take them to organizations across Major League Baseball, they will always share one common bond—a summer in Newport that helped prepare them for the next step toward achieving their dream.