We’re just six months away from the 2023 MLB draft, which will take place July 9 through July 11 during All-Star festivities in Seattle, Washington.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have the No. 1 pick, followed by the Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. There are more clear-cut choices for picks from HBCUs this year with Coppin State Jordan Hamberg, Junior (LHP/OF), expected by many to come off the board first. The draft will consist of 20 rounds this year, just as it was last year; half the length of the 40-round edition last held in 2019.
Who does Black College Nines think is the best prospect this year? Which potential future star is your favorite team targeting with its draft pick? And which prospect could be a late-round gem this year? Check out our complete coverage of the potential draft below.
This list includes HBCU large and small schoolers making names for themselves. Keep an eye out for the best collegiate HBCU players this season who are draft-eligible.
HBCU’s baseball best utility player-Coppin State Jordan Hamberg
Coppin State’s Jordan Hamberg is a do-everything NEC 2023 Projected Player of the Year, NCBWA 2022 third team All-American, ABCA 2022 All-East Region Team, three time John Olerud National two-way Player of Week, two-time Collegiate Baseball News Player of Week, MEAC 2022 Pitcher of Year. Broke Coppin single-season record with 87 strikeouts and also lead the team with a .347 batting average. A major pro prospect who had a great day performing for more than a dozen mlb scouts on Coppin State Pro Scout Day. Hamberg’s swing is compared to former MLB star Ken Griffey, Jr. Power to all fields with plus throwing arm and gold glove actions in the outfield. On the mound he led the team with a 6-3 win.
Prairie View A&M RHP Victor Mendoza rising draft stock
Prairie View A&M’s Victor Mendoza, RHP Mendoza is a junior RHP who has all the potential to be a potential drafted player. He had a stellar freshman season where he displayed a tenacious ability on the mound. Last year, he struggled at times, but expects to rebound this season to help anchor the pitching staff. He commands a mid-90’s fastball and a great curve ball. As he continues to develop, he would be a guy that scouts would strongly consider drafting this summer.
Miles College’s Michael Archie-some of his HRs hit to the deepest part of the ballpark, and were absolute bullets
Miles College’s Michael Archie, OF as a 6’- 4” freshman last year hit 10 home runs and 54 runs batted in to go along with a .325 batting average. Archie can hit a ton. He was projected to perform well and he is already living up to the hype. I can see him being a big name for the 2023 season.
RHP Ty Tubbs Jr. Mid-90s plus
Prairie View A&M’s Ty Tubbs Jr., RHP Ty Tubbs Jr., This right-hander has continued to develop over the last few years. From being a starting pitcher his freshman year to one of the main arms in the bullpen where he has good success last season. He has good command of his pitches while having a low to mid-90s fastball that has great movement that will cause any hitter issues. Ty is a guy that scouts love due to his size and pitch ability. He has the potential to be a player that scouts would be interested in drafting.
Lavoisier Fisher, was ranked 3rd in NCAA DII for on-base percentage and slugging percentage
Albany State’s OF Lavoisier Fisher, was ranked 3rd in NCAA DII for OPS with runners in scoring position hitting .384 with 11 HR, and 56 RBI. Fisher is another top-rated guy heading into this season. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 37th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft out of North Gwinnett High School.
Potential HBCU MLB Draft Prospects 2023:
| PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| Jordan Hamberg | LHP/OF | Coppin State |
| Victor Mendoza | RHP | Prairie View A&M |
| Xavier Meachem | RHP | North Carolina A&T |
| Lavoisier Fisher | OF | Albany State |
| Ty Tubbs | RHP | Prairie View A&M |
| Joe Smith | OF | Savannah State |
| Hunter May | Catcher | Alabama State |
| Ty Hill | Infielder | Jackson State |
| Michael Archie | OF | Miles |
| Dreylon Holmes | Infielder | Mississippi Valley State |
| Davie Pound | OF | Harris Stowe State |
| Rashad Ruff | RHP | Coppin State |
| Brian Nicolas | 3B | Coppin State |
| Corey King | Infielder | Alabama State |
| Canyon Brown | Catcher | North Carolina A&T |
| Steven Davila | RHP | Jackson State |
| O’Neil Burgos | OF | Southern |
| Jamel Mitchell | OF | Benedict College |
| Maury Weaver | Infielder | Mississippi Valley State |
| Michael Dorcean | Catcher | Coppin State |
| Justin Wiley | Infielder | Southern |
| Hunter Viets | RHP | Florida A&M |
| Tahraun Hammond | SS | Virginia State |
| Trey Paige | Infielder | Delaware State |
| Nolan Santos | RHP | Bethune Cookman |
| Sebastien Sarabia | 1B | Coppin State |
| Blair Frederick | LHP | Xavier of Louisiana |
| Juan Rosa-Gonzalez | OF | Mississippi Valley State |
| Solomon Masters | RHP | Savannah State |
| Nathan Harris | Infielder | Florida Memorial |
| Dylan Diéguez | LHP | Bethune Cookman |
| Trenton Jamison | OF | Alabama State |
| Brandon Haston | LHP | Jackson State |
| Joan González | RHP | Bethune Cookman |
| Ricky Jones | OF | Virginia State |
| Noah Covington | RHP | Maryland Eastern Shore |
| Armando Sierra | RHP | Harris Stowe State |
| Jalen Young | OF | Florida Memorial |
| Roberto Moya | 1B | Bethune Cookman |