“Penn State’s Chase Renner Selected by Miami Marlins in 13th Round of MLB Draft, Marking Next Step for Rising Relief Ace”

Chase Renner’s baseball journey added a significant new chapter on Monday when the Miami Marlins selected the Penn State relief pitcher in the 13th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. For the right-hander out of the Big Ten, this selection wasn’t just a milestone—it was the culmination of years of determination, steady progression, and belief in the process. As Renner’s name was called, it marked a career-defining moment that reflects both his individual talent and the upward momentum of the Nittany Lions baseball program.

Renner’s drafting is yet another signal that Penn State baseball is evolving into a serious pipeline for Major League talent. With five total players selected this year—tying a program record—Renner’s name being called in the 13th round wasn’t just a personal success but part of a larger narrative about what head coach Mike Gambino and the coaching staff are building in Happy Valley. For Renner specifically, his selection showcases the value of high-leverage arms that can command late innings and maintain poise under pressure, two traits the Marlins undoubtedly prioritized when choosing him.

Throughout his collegiate career, Renner made a name for himself as a dependable reliever who could be trusted in any scenario. His mechanics were clean, his fastball lively, and his ability to mix pitches kept hitters off balance consistently. But beyond his statistical performance, what made Renner special was his mindset. The closer role in college baseball is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a special combination of composure and competitiveness, and Renner had both in abundance. His presence on the mound was always calm yet calculated, unshaken by the stakes.

During the 2025 season, Renner emerged as one of the key figures in the Nittany Lions bullpen, not just because of his ability to record outs but also due to his leadership in the clubhouse. Younger pitchers looked up to him, and the coaching staff often pointed to Renner as the gold standard for preparation, maturity, and execution. The numbers also did the talking. He posted a strong ERA, racked up strikeouts at an impressive rate, and often closed out games with surgical precision. Scouts began noticing, and it became clear that his name would be on draft boards come July.

When the Miami Marlins finally called his name in the 13th round, it reflected more than just his statistical merit—it was an endorsement of the player and the person. The Marlins are a franchise known for developing pitching talent. In recent years, they’ve leaned heavily into scouting college arms who can move quickly through the system. Renner fits that mold perfectly. He may not need a long stint in the lower minors to adjust to the professional game because of the advanced poise and pitchability he showed at Penn State. That fast track is something the organization has done with other college pitchers, and there’s reason to believe Renner could follow a similar path.

This moment is also a testament to Renner’s work ethic and patience. He wasn’t a top recruit coming out of high school. His rise was gradual, marked by incremental improvement and unwavering dedication. Instead of looking for shortcuts, he bought into the Penn State program, worked on his craft, and trusted the developmental path laid out for him. In doing so, he became a prototype for what a modern college reliever can be: adaptable, efficient, and mentally tough.

For Penn State, Renner’s selection adds another feather in the cap of a program that’s on the rise in national perception. With five players drafted this year, the message is clear—the Nittany Lions are producing next-level talent. While football continues to grab headlines in Happy Valley, the baseball program is carving out its own share of the spotlight, and players like Chase Renner are helping accelerate that transition. When MLB organizations begin to consistently scout a program, it creates a domino effect. Young high school talent starts to take notice, recruiting improves, and the overall profile of the program gets elevated. Renner’s success contributes to that upward trend.

It’s also worth recognizing what this selection means to the Big Ten conference. Historically, the Big Ten hasn’t been considered among the elite college baseball conferences like the SEC or ACC, but that perception is changing. With more draft selections and competitive performances in the NCAA Tournament, the league is starting to garner more respect nationally. Players like Chase Renner prove that Big Ten athletes can compete at the highest level and hold their own among the best in the country.

Now that Renner has been drafted, the focus shifts to the next phase of his journey—professional baseball. That transition is filled with challenges, from longer seasons and bus rides in the minor leagues to stiffer competition and higher expectations. But if there’s one thing Renner has proven, it’s that he can adapt. His ability to grow, both mentally and physically, has been a hallmark of his development. Whether he begins in Rookie Ball or climbs straight into Low-A, he will be prepared to embrace the grind of the professional game.

The Marlins will also benefit from Renner’s coachability. One of his defining traits at Penn State was how receptive he was to feedback. Pitching coach Josh Newman often noted how willing Renner was to implement adjustments, try new grips, or tinker with sequencing. That open-mindedness makes him an ideal candidate for a system that prioritizes data-driven development and pitch design. With the Marlins investing heavily in their minor league analytics and technology, Renner could find himself on the fast track to enhancement and eventual promotion.

It’s also worth noting that relievers are often the most unpredictable group in any draft class. Unlike starters or position players, relievers can jump levels quickly or regress just as fast. But Renner’s consistency, both in velocity and command, makes him a safer bet than most. He isn’t the type of pitcher who relies on deception alone—he has the foundational tools to succeed, including command of both sides of the plate and a breaking ball that can generate swing-and-miss when located properly.

The emotional component of Renner’s selection can’t be overstated either. For a college player, hearing your name called on draft day is the realization of a lifelong dream. It’s the validation of years spent on bullpen mounds, lifting in offseason workouts, watching video late into the night, and competing in summer leagues when no one was watching. For Renner and his family, it’s a moment to celebrate and reflect on the sacrifices and commitments made along the way.

As Renner now prepares to report to his first professional assignment, he will carry with him not only the lessons he learned at Penn State but also the confidence of knowing he’s earned his place at the next level. He’ll face competition that is faster, stronger, and more experienced, but that has always been the case for him. And each time, he’s risen to meet the challenge.

For the Penn State program, Chase Renner’s selection by the Miami Marlins in the 13th round serves as both a point of pride and a beacon for future players. He’s the blueprint for what hard work, patience, and trust in development can lead to. He represents not just a new chapter in his own life, but a growing legacy for a program that is starting to consistently produce professional talent. As he takes the mound in a Marlins uniform for the first time—be it in Jupiter, Beloit, or beyond—he’ll do so with the same quiet determination and fire that made him one of the most reliable arms in Happy Valley. The journey is far from over, but for now, Chase Renner can finally say that his dream is officially underway.