State College of Florida men’s baseball right-handed pitcher Riley McDonald was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2026 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on July 13, 2026.
McDonald appeared in 21 games during the 2026 season and pitched 63.2 innings with 58 strikeouts. He worked in both the bullpen and starting rotation, transitioning from a relief role into the rotation down the stretch.
McDonald made key start against Northwest Florida State College
McDonald’s signature performance came in an elimination game against Northwest Florida State College. He pitched eight innings, allowed two earned runs and struck out 10 batters as State College of Florida kept its postseason hopes alive.
Recent State College of Florida draft selections
McDonald is the latest State College of Florida player identified in the source material as being selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. Liam Best was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2025, and Brandon Clarke was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Duke McCarron, a member of the 2025 State College of Florida Manatees squad, was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 17th round. McDonald’s selection adds another professional milestone for the State College of Florida baseball program.
Source: Original report