UNLV's baseball program had a successful day at the 2026 MLB Draft, with five of its own players selected across the second and final day. This marks the most selections by the program in a single draft since 2018, which is a significant achievement. Personally, I think this is a testament to the program's strength and depth, and it's exciting to see the talent being recognized. What makes this particularly fascinating is the diverse range of skills and positions represented among the selected players. From pitchers to position players, each of these athletes brings something unique to the table. In my opinion, this draft class is a strong indicator of the program's ability to develop and prepare players for the professional level. Now, let's take a closer look at each of the selected players and their contributions to the program.
Carson Lane: The Ace of the Staff
Carson Lane, a junior pitcher, was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 14th round. Lane has been a standout performer for UNLV, earning All-Mountain West First Team honors in 2025. His ability to strike out batters and control the game is impressive, and he has consistently performed well in conference play. Lane's breakout sophomore campaign in 2025 was a highlight, as he led the Rebels with 85 strikeouts and posted the Mountain West's second-best ERA. His performance against Fresno State, where he tossed eight hitless innings, was a testament to his skill and determination. Lane's academic achievements, including his CSC Academic All-District® selection and Mountain West Scholar-Athlete Award, further showcase his dedication and commitment to excellence. From my perspective, Lane is a valuable asset to any team, and his selection by the Guardians is a significant win for UNLV.
Parker Dillhoff: The Workhorse Pitcher
Parker Dillhoff, a senior pitcher, was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 18th round. Dillhoff made 15 starts on the mound, throwing a team-high 69.1 innings and striking out a team-best 94 starters. His ability to pitch complete games and strike out double-digit batters is impressive, and he has consistently performed well in conference play. Dillhoff's performance against Utah Tech, where he gave up seven hits on one earned run with nine strikeouts, was a highlight. His ability to control the game and strike out batters is a valuable asset to any team. In my opinion, Dillhoff is a reliable and consistent pitcher, and his selection by the Guardians is a significant win for UNLV.
Jase Evangelista: The Relief Pitcher
Jase Evangelista, a junior pitcher, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 14th round. Evangelista's lone season in the Scarlet & Gray saw him make 19 relief appearances, where he ranked third on the team with 64 strikeouts. His ability to strike out batters and control the game is impressive, and he has consistently performed well in conference play. Evangelista's back-to-back saves against Cal State Fullerton and San Jose State, as well as his performance against SDSU, showcase his skill and determination. In my opinion, Evangelista is a valuable asset to any team, and his selection by the Red Sox is a significant win for UNLV.
Ryan Marton: The Versatile Pitcher
Ryan Marton, a junior pitcher, was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 17th round. Marton appeared in 13 games with four starts, producing a 2-3 record with a 6.16 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and a 1.32 WHIP in 19 innings of work. His ability to strike out batters and control the game is impressive, and he has consistently performed well in conference play. Marton's performance against Cal State Fullerton and San Diego State, where he struck out two and six batters, respectively, showcases his skill and determination. In my opinion, Marton is a versatile and reliable pitcher, and his selection by the Cubs is a significant win for UNLV.
Jack Salmon: The Power Hitter
Jack Salmon, a senior position player, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 19th round. Salmon played in 49 games with 45 starts, all in left field. His ability to hit for power and control the game is impressive, and he has consistently performed well in conference play. Salmon's on-base percentage and batting average are impressive, and he has driven home a significant number of runs. In my opinion, Salmon is a valuable asset to any team, and his selection by the Angels is a significant win for UNLV.
A Broader Perspective
The success of UNLV's baseball program in the 2026 MLB Draft is a significant achievement. The program has developed and prepared players for the professional level, and the diverse range of skills and positions represented among the selected players is impressive. The draft class is a strong indicator of the program's ability to produce talent and prepare players for the next level. In my opinion, the success of UNLV's baseball program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaches, players, and support staff. It is a source of pride for the university and a significant win for the program.
