University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Four New Panthers in the Pros: Pitt’s 2026 MLB Draft Recap
7/27/2026 10:36:00 AM | Baseball
PITTSBURGH – With the conclusion of the 2026 MLB Draft earlier this month, four Panthers are now with MLB Organizations.
David Leslie (New York Yankees) and Lorenzo Carrier (Colorado Rockies) were both selected in the MLB Draft two weeks ago, while Caden Dulin (Chicago Cubs) and Carter Dierdorf (New York Mets) each signed free agent contracts.
"We are so excited for our new Pro Panthers," Head Coach Mike Bell said. "It is always great to see our guys take their next steps to becoming future Big Leaguers."
Pitt has now had multiple players selected in the MLB Draft in each of the last four years.
"It is a true testament to the hard work put in by our student-athletes and the true development by our coaching staff," Bell concluded.
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— Pitt Baseball (@Pitt_BASE) July 12, 2026
The @Yankees select David Leslie with the 278th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft ?? pic.twitter.com/hQdrqo7x69
Leslie was the first Panther off the board in 2026 when the Yankees selected him in the ninth round with the 278th pick. He became the ninth Pitt pitcher under Head Coach Mike Bell to be drafted.
The right-hander made 18 appearances with 10 starts in his first year with the program. Leslie earned four wins and one save while striking out 75 batters in 65 innings of work. He shined in the 2026 ACC Baseball Championship and was named to the all-tournament team after helping the Panthers make a run to the semifinal.
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— Pitt Baseball (@Pitt_BASE) July 12, 2026
Our All-American is taken by the @Rockies in the 14th round ?? pic.twitter.com/IqBzfiVOFN
Lorenzo Carrier, a First Team All-American, was the second Panther selected after being taken by the Colorado Rockies in the 14th round. He became the first Panther in program history to be drafted by the Rockies organization.
Carrier had one of the best years in program history at the plate this spring. The Bear, DE native, who played and started in all of Pitt's 60 games in 2026, hit .387 with 77 hits, 69 RBI, 67 runs scored, 57 walks, 20 home runs and 15 doubles while slugging .784.
He earned six All-America honors and became Pitt's first First Team All-American since 2009. He was named First Team All-Region, First Team All-ACC and the NCBWA District 1 Co-Player of the Year. The Panther outfielder would also be named a semifinalist for both the prestigious Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy.
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— Pitt Baseball (@Pitt_BASE) July 13, 2026
Dulin has signed a free agent contract with the @Cubs ?? pic.twitter.com/qurB4rlyII
Immediately following the draft, Caden Dulin signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs.
In his second year with the program, Dulin earned All-ACC Second Team honors as a shortstop in 2026. He started in all 53 of the games he played in this past spring, batting .349 with 76 hits, 60 runs scored, 44 RBI, 12 home runs and 11 doubles.
Prior to arriving at Pitt, Dulin spent the 2024 season at Rowan College South Jersey Roadrunners where he was a Division-III National Championship and the World Series Tournament MVP.
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— Pitt Baseball (@Pitt_BASE) July 16, 2026
Carter has inked a free agent deal with the @Mets! ???? pic.twitter.com/deNbCkezVe
Later that week, first Baseman Carter Dierdorf became the newest Pro Panther after signing a free agent contract with the New York Mets.
Dierdorf was Pitt's every day first baseman in 2026, making 51 starts in his 54 games played. He set the program record for walks in a single season with 60 this spring. Pitt's 397 walks as a team led the entire country following conference tournament play and also set a single-season program record.
The Bradenton, FL native batted .272 with 41 hits, 38 runs scored, 38 RBI, 11 home runs and seven doubles.
Pro Panthers Under Mike Bell
2026
David Leslie, 9th Round, New York Yankees
Lorenzo Carrier, 14th Round, Colorado Rockies
Caden Dulin, Undrafted FA, Chicago Cubs
Carter Dierdorf, Undrafted FA, New York Mets
2025
Ryan Reed, 15th Round, San Diego Padres
Luke Cantwell, 20th Round, San Diego Padres
2024
Phil Fox, 7th Round, Chicago White Sox
Ryan Andrade, 7th Round, Tampa Bay Rays
Jack Sokol, Undrafted FA, New York Yankees
Kyle Hess, Undrafted FA, Minnesota Twins
2023
Logan Evans, 12th Round, Seattle Mariners
Dylan Simmons, 15th Round, Cincinnati Reds
Jeffrey Wehler, Undrafted FA, Toronto Blue Jays
2022
Tatem Levins, 8th Round, Seattle Mariners
Baron Stuart, Undrafted FA, New York Yankees
Billy Corcoran, Undrafted FA, Arizona Diamondbacks
2021
Mitch Myers, 12th Round, Oakland Athletics
2019
Dan Hammer, 13th Round, Baltimore Orioles
Derek West, 14th Round, Houston Astros
Connor Perry, 28th Round, Detroit Tigers
Cole MacLaren, Undrafted FA, Detroit Tigers
