Birdsell’s journey from Willis ends as 5th-rounder

Brandon Birdsell is no stranger to being drafted.

But this time around, he seems more poised than ever to finally begin his professional baseball career.

Birdsell, a 2018 Willis High School graduate, became the first Houston-area player selected Monday in the MLB draft, which covered rounds three through 10. He went to the Chicago Cubs with the 143rd overall pick in the fifth round.

Birdsell also was drafted in the 39th round by the Astros out of high school in 2018 and was taken in the 11th round by the Minnesota Twins last summer.

Birdsell had a standout season on the mound for Texas Tech this spring. The 6-2 righthander earned All-American honors from three organizations after going 9-3 with a 2.75 ERA over 85 innings. He finished his campaign with 106 strikeouts against just 29 walks and held opponents to a .216 batting average.

Birdsell was ranked as the No. 98 overall prospect by MLB.com. His scouting report notes that his fastball sits at 9496 mph and peaks at 99. Birdsell possesses a strong mid-to-high 80s slider and also has an effective high 80s changeup at his disposal.

His selection carries a slot value of $402,100.

Birdsell began his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to San Jacinto College. He then moved on to Texas Tech and went 4-1 last season before a rotator cuff injury cut his year short.

Birdsell was a highly touted prospect out of high school, even after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2016. He was a standout player at Conroe High School before finishing his prep career at Willis.

After helping Texas reach the College World Series this year, shortstop Trey Faltine has another chance to play at the professional level.

The Travis High School graduate was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 213th overall pick in the seventh round Monday. He was the second Houston-area product selected in this year’s draft.

Faltine slashed .282/.393/.552 with 15 home runs, 18 doubles and 56 RBIs over 69 starts this spring. His athleticism and glove are what really stand out, however. He posted a .964 fielding percentage for the Longhorns, committing just 10 errors over 279 total chances.

His selection carries a slot value of $218,800.

Faltine was drafted in the 39th round by the Boston Red Sox out of high school in 2019.

Outfielder Dylan Rock had a standout season at the plate for Texas A&M, and professional scouts certainly took notice.

The George Ranch graduate was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 248th overall pick in the eighth round Monday.

Rock was a huge contributor to the Aggies’ run to the College World Series this year. The graduate transfer from UTSA brought more than 200 games’ worth of Division I experience to the lineup and delivered in a big way. Rock slashed .320/.471/ .635 with a team-high 18 home runs, 13 doubles and 64 RBIs. He was named an All-American by three organizations.

Rock’s selection carries a slot value of $173,800.