MLB draft buzz for Louisville, Kentucky, Trinity players
Kentucky’s Tyler Bell, Louisville’s Zion Rose and Trinity High School’s Grayson Willoughby are expected to be early-round picks in the 2026 MLB Draft.
After a standout career with Louisville’s baseball team, outfielder Zion Rose will begin his professional baseball career with the Kansas City Royals.
The outfielder was selected sixth overall during the 2026 MLB Draft today, becoming the Cardinals’ highest draft pick since Henry Davis was taken first overall in 2021 and fourth-highest overall draft pick. He’s also the first Louisville player selected by the Royals since they drafted Levi Usher in the 10th round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
Rose was one of two Cardinals to play in all 66 games in 2025, playing a key role in the team’s College World Series run before playing for the USA Collegiate National Team. Despite missing the first 15 games of the 2026 season with an ankle injury, he batted .417 with six home runs, 44 runs scored and 47 more batted in.
Zion is the 112th Cardinal to be selected under head coach Dan McDonnell, who’s had at least two players hear their names called in 19 consecutive drafts. Last year following Louisville’s College World Series run, six Cardinals were taken in the draft. Right-handed pitcher Patrick Forbes was the first off the board, going to the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 29th overall pick. Forbes has made five professional appearances, including four starts, and recorded a 2.45 ERA over 14⅔ innings pitched so far in his minor league career.
Reach Louisville football, women’s basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at [email protected] and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
