There was a bevy of Crimson Tide talent picked by MLB teams in the draft last June, as six different Alabama players were selected in the 20-round draft. Here is an update on how the six players’ careers are faring up to this point.
Ben Hess
The pitcher was the fifth first-round pick in Crimson Tide baseball history and the second-highest overall pick when the New York Yankees selected him 26th overall.
Hess was activated to the Yankees Florida Complex League, in August 2024 but didn’t pitch the rest of the season. He is the eighth-ranked prospect in the Yankees farm system according to MLB.com’s rankings.
“Ben checks off a lot of things for us,” said Damon Oppenheimer, vice president of domestic amateur scouting. “He fits what we are looking for in a potential top-of-the-line Major League starter. Specifically, he’s a big, powerful right-hander that can throw two breaking balls and can reach up to 97 [mph].”
Gage Miller
Miller was the heartbeat of the Alabama offense last season, leading the team in seven offensive categories, including average at .381 and OPS at 1.176. The Miami Marlins selected him 92nd overall.
In 26 games between Single-A and High-A minor league baseball, he hit .240 with a .608 OPS and collected 12 RBI’s. Miller currently stands as the 16th-ranked prospect in the Marlins farm system.
Greg Farone
The left handed pitcher was selected 208th overall by the San Francisco Giants after being the typical Friday night starter for the Crimson Tide last season. Farone started his career at the junior college level at Herkimer College and spent the 2023 season at Louisville before coming to Tuscaloosa in 2024.
Farone wasn’t assigned to any of the Giants minor league affiliates after the draft, and he will instead see his first professional action this upcoming season.
Ian Petrutz
The outfielder was taken 351st overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was an important part of the batting order for Crimson Tide last season, leading the team with a .351 average during SEC play.
Petrutz has had a roaring start to his professional career, as he hit .344 with a .482 OBP and a .915 OPS in 28 regular season games with the Cardinals Single-A affiliate. He also helped lead the team to the Florida State League championship, going 8/20 in the championship series and clubbing his first professional homer.
“He’s a guy who busted his tail day in and day out,” Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn said. “Whenever he was in a slump, he didn’t feel bad about himself but he continued to work, so it makes sense why he succeeds.”
Pierce George
A bullpen pitcher for Alabama last season, George was selected 379th overall by the Chicago White Sox. He was known for his blazing fastball, as he could sometimes hit 100 mph.
George made six appearances for the White Sox Single-A affiliate last season, throwing six innings and allowing 4 runs while striking out five batters.
TJ McCants
When he was selected 469th overall by the White Sox, the outfielder was reunited with his former teammate in George. McCants was the only member of the Crimson Tide to have a national championship after winning it all with Ole Miss in 2022.
In 16 games last season, McCants hit .230 with a .799 OPS, two homers and six RBIs. He showed impressive discipline as well, drawing 11 walks.
