“Record-Breaking Draft Day: Penn State Ties Program Mark with Five Selections in 2025 MLB Draft, Leads Big Ten in Picks”
The 2025 MLB Draft brought a wave of pride and excitement to Happy Valley, as five Penn State Nittany Lions heard their names called on Monday, tying a program record for the most players selected in any single draft. Even more significantly, it set a new high-water mark for Penn State in the modern 20-round format, showcasing how far the baseball program has come under current leadership. It was a moment of validation, celebration, and aspiration all rolled into one, as the Nittany Lions not only tied the most draft picks among Big Ten teams but also signaled a burgeoning future for a program historically overshadowed by the football juggernaut in State College.
These five selections represent more than just names on a board—they are tangible proof of the hard work, development, and culture shift happening within Penn State baseball. The moment was a convergence of scouting acumen, coaching dedication, and player perseverance. For head coach Mike Gambino, who took over the program only recently, it was an affirmation of vision. The success in the draft doesn’t just reflect the individual talents of the players chosen but also the growing perception among MLB scouts that Penn State is now a serious destination for elite talent capable of reaching the professional level.
The first Nittany Lion off the board was junior outfielder Jackson Seibert, whose dynamic blend of speed, power, and defensive range made him an attractive pick in the fifth round. Seibert’s rise has been meteoric since arriving on campus. With a strong junior season that saw him slash .312/.395/.518 and steal 21 bases, his development became one of the highlights of the year for the program. His name being called early in the draft wasn’t a surprise—it was a confirmation. For Seibert, the moment was the culmination of years of focus and discipline, and for the coaching staff, it was evidence that their approach to player development is paying off.
Next up was left-handed pitcher Drew Connelly, selected in the seventh round, whose deceptive delivery and command of three quality pitches made him one of the most effective starters in the Big Ten this past season. Connelly posted a 2.89 ERA over 91 innings, with 106 strikeouts and just 22 walks—a ratio that had scouts buzzing heading into the draft. Known for his quiet leadership and cerebral approach to the game, Connelly became the anchor of Penn State’s weekend rotation and a model for younger pitchers on how to navigate the grind of a collegiate season. His selection highlighted the pitching depth that Penn State has quietly built, signaling that it’s no longer just a hitting-heavy program.
The third Penn State player taken was power-hitting corner infielder Ethan Modrovsky, who went in the tenth round. Modrovsky launched 17 home runs in 2025, the most by any Nittany Lion in over a decade, and he finished the year with a .578 slugging percentage. What impressed scouts most, however, was his improved plate discipline, which allowed him to draw 41 walks against just 48 strikeouts. His ability to make adjustments at the plate and his emerging leadership in the locker room made him a draft day riser. The moment his name appeared on draft boards, it served as a message to future sluggers: Penn State is a place where hitters can thrive and develop into professional-caliber threats.
The fourth draftee was catcher Ben Novinski, whose intangibles may have made as much of an impression as his on-field numbers. Drafted in the 13th round, Novinski was widely regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in the Big Ten. He threw out 37% of base-stealers and was lauded for his ability to manage pitching staffs, call games, and provide a steady presence behind the plate. His bat also came alive in 2025, with a career-high .284 average and six home runs. But more than anything, it was his leadership and maturity that drew rave reviews from scouts and general managers alike. Novinski is the kind of player whose influence is felt in every corner of the clubhouse and dugout.
Finally, the fifth selection—and the one that completed the historic draft haul—was right-handed reliever Jake Mertz, taken in the 18th round. Mertz was the quintessential bullpen warrior, posting a 1.92 ERA over 47 innings with 62 strikeouts. His electric fastball-slider combination made him nearly unhittable in late-game situations, and his mental toughness helped Penn State secure multiple conference wins. While relievers don’t always garner the same attention as starters or position players, Mertz’s selection underscored the importance of depth and the value of executing in high-leverage situations. His draft slot might have come later, but his impact was felt every weekend.
Together, these five players represent every phase of the game: starting pitching, relief pitching, power hitting, defense, speed, and leadership. That Penn State could produce such a balanced draft class is a sign of the program’s comprehensive strength and versatility. It was no fluke, and the rest of the Big Ten—and the country—took notice. In tying for the most selections among Big Ten teams, the Nittany Lions sent a strong signal that they are not just participants in the conference—they are contenders.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the context in which it occurred. Penn State has long faced recruiting and developmental challenges in baseball due to its northern location, inconsistent facilities, and a historical lack of MLB draftee production. But in recent years, a series of key investments—new indoor training facilities, enhanced analytics departments, and upgraded travel budgets—have begun to close the gap. The results are now bearing fruit. Five selections in one draft, especially in the modern 20-round format, speaks volumes about the infrastructure now in place to support and elevate talent.
In addition, Penn State’s 2025 success in the MLB Draft provides a major boost on the recruiting trail. Young players across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are watching closely, and high school stars who might have once dismissed Penn State as a fallback option are now seeing it as a destination. The presence of five draftees not only boosts the program’s reputation—it also provides inspiration and motivation for the players returning to campus next year. They’ve seen what’s possible. They’ve seen the standard.
The coaching staff, led by Gambino, emphasized player development and accountability from day one, and that focus is now paying dividends. He brought in new strength and conditioning methods, revamped the program’s mental training regimen, and emphasized individualized development plans for every player on the roster. It wasn’t always glamorous, but it was effective. Each of the five draftees followed a clear path of growth over their time in the program, and none of them were highly touted high school recruits. They were molded in blue and white.
There’s also something poetic about how this class represents the diversity of paths that lead to the MLB. Seibert was a junior college transfer who needed time to adjust to Division I pitching. Connelly redshirted his first year after undergoing surgery. Modrovsky came in raw, with massive power but a long swing. Novinski barely played his freshman season. Mertz didn’t even pitch in high school until his senior year. Yet they all reached the same destination. That variety of origin stories gives hope to future Nittany Lions that no matter where you start, you can end up on a draft board if you trust the process.
Penn State fans, many of whom have lived and breathed football for generations, now have a summer storyline they can embrace with equal fervor. Watching Seibert, Connelly, Modrovsky, Novinski, and Mertz begin their professional journeys will provide a deep sense of pride for the Nittany Nation. These players will now carry the Penn State name with them into farm systems and, with some luck and continued growth, into the big leagues. Each will carry a chip on their shoulder and a piece of Happy Valley in their hearts.
For now, the spotlight belongs to the five. They made history. They set the standard. They turned heads. And in doing so, they redefined what is possible for Penn State Baseball. As the program looks ahead to the next recruiting class, the next season, and the next draft, one thing is clear: the Nittany Lions are no longer quietly climbing the ladder—they’re making noise at the top.
In an era where exposure matters more than ever, this draft haul shines a national light on a program that has been patiently building for this moment. It’s not just a good day for the five players drafted—it’s a landmark day for every past, present, and future Penn State ballplayer who dreams of reaching the big leagues. The climb has been steep. The journey has been long. But Monday’s draft proved that the summit is within reach—and that the Nittany Lions aren’t just along for the ride anymore. They’re leading the way.
