Three former NIACC Trojans selected in 2022 MLB Draft

(ABC 6 News) – Three former NIACC Trojans were selected in this year’s MLB Draft.

Former NIACC right-handed pitcher Patrick Pridgen was selected in the 15th round by the Detroit Tigers, former right-handed pitcher Jake Christianson was selected in the 15th round (464th pick) by the Tampa Bay Rays, and former NIACC catcher/outfielder Ryan Wrobleski was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 20th round (613th pick).

Pridgen, who played last season at Florida International University, is the first NIACC player selected since right-handed pitcher Harrison Beethe was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2021 MLB Draft. Pridgen, who is from Apple Valley, Minn., struck out 112 with 44 walks last season.

Wrobleski, who played at Dallas Baptist from 2020-22, had a career average of .286 with 18 home runs, 20 doubles and 65 RBIs. Wrobleski, who is from Eden Prairie, Minn., hit .318 with eight home runs, nine doubles and 29 RBIs in the 2022 season.

Christianson, who is from Eagan, Minn., played for Feather River College, a 2-year school located in Quincy, Calif., in the 2022 season. Christianson was 5-3 with eight saves with 55 strikeouts and six walks for the Golden Eagles in 2022.

Since the 2016 season, a total of 10 former NIACC players have been selected in the MLB Draft.