Michigan Baseball: 4 Wolverines selected in 2020 MLB draft

Michigan baseball had four players selected in the 2020 MLB draft and here’s a breakdown of where they are headed.

The 2020 MLB Draft was a welcome sight for baseball fans. In a time where baseball has been put on hold, it put the sport back into the spotlight for a few days. It was also a good day for Michigan baseball fans as Four Wolverines- Criswell, Nwogu, Franklin, and Blomgren- heard their names called in the abbreviated draft.

Michigan baseball’s four draft picks were integral members of the team that went to the CWS last season. The national exposure of the CWS had to have helped their draft stocks coming into this season.

Jeff Criswell was the first Wolverine to hear his name called. The Oakland Athletics selected him with the 58th pick of the draft. Criswell will join a team that has a lot of young pitching prospects that he can learn from. He has the opportunity to be a fast riser in their system.

Jordan Nwogu was the next Wolverine to be drafted. He was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the 88th pick. Nwogu has an exciting mix of speed and power that will make the Cubs happy. If he continues to hit, they will find a place for him to play, much as they did with Kyle Schwarber.

With the 97th pick, the Atlanta Braves selected Jesse Franklin. He missed the 2020 season because he was recovering from an off-season skiing accident. The center fielder has a high ceiling as long as he can stay healthy.

The Wolverines shortstop, Jack Blomgren, was the last Michigan player drafted. The Colorado Rockies took Blomgren with the 140th pick. He was a three-year starter for the Wolverines. Blomgren is a gamer and he will surely bring that with him to the mile high city.

Michigan had a strong showing in the 2020 draft. They had 3 players taken in the top 100 for the first time since 1983. They also led the Big Ten in draft picks with 4.

Eric Bakich and his coaching staff continue to do a great job coaching up their players. The success in the last two drafts isn’t going unnoticed and could certainly help in recruiting down the road.