Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor, a former standout from Florence High School, has made an impressive entry into Major League Baseball, debuting on June 10, 2025. Drafted from LSU as the No. 51 overall pick in 2023, Taylor quickly ascended through the minors and has already recorded three saves in his 14 appearances with the White Sox. Over the course of 14.1 innings, he has allowed 13 hits and three walks while striking out 17 batters.
Taylor is the 35th player with Alabama ties to reach the majors since the start of the First-Year Player Draft 60 years ago. This includes notable names like Casey Mize, a former Auburn pitcher and the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, who will represent the Detroit Tigers at the upcoming MLB All-Star Game.
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2025 draft, which will take place this Sunday, fans are eager to see which Alabama high school or college player will be selected next. Auburn outfielder and catcher Ike Irish and Hewitt-Trussville High School shortstop Steele Hall are strong candidates expected to be chosen within the first 20 picks.
In his third season at Auburn, Irish has displayed stellar performance, posting a .364 batting average along with significant power numbers: 19 home runs and 13 doubles. He has also earned recognition as a consensus All-American, joining prestigious company as Auburn’s seventh selection in this category. Conversely, Hall, who will be heading to Tennessee as a signee, had a remarkable final season at Hewitt-Trussville, showcasing his abilities with a .484 batting average and winning the Mr. Baseball award.
This draft offers a promising opportunity for Alabama players and fans alike, as they look to add to the growing list of draft picks from the state who succeed in major league baseball. The involvement of players like Taylor enhances the pride and excitement in Alabama’s baseball community, instilling hope for future talent rising to prominence.
The first 105 selections will take place starting at 5 p.m. CDT at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Cumberland, Georgia, with the event broadcasted live on ESPN and MLB Network.
This year marks a significant moment in Alabama baseball history and further solidifies the state’s reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional talent in the sport. The excitement surrounding the upcoming draft, along with Taylor’s strong start in the majors, highlights a bright future for Alabama athletes in baseball.