Last weekend, the Penn State baseball program took a big step in the right direction during the 2025 MLB Draft.
Five Nittany Lions were selected over the course of two days and 20 rounds, tying 2007 for the most in program history.It also was tied for the most among all Big Ten teams in the 2025 MLB Draft.
In a history-making draft, there’s a lot to take away from each pick, so here are my reactions to each draft selection.
Paxton Kling (TEX): Round 7
In a pretty deep draft class, Paxton Kling could’ve gone anywhere from the third round all the way to where he was drafted in the seventh round. Texas selected him in the seventh round and made him a Ranger, making him the first Penn State draft pick in two years.
If Kling were to make it to the MLB roster, the defensive fit is there. Globe Life Field has a fairly big outfield, which would allow Kling to showcase his speed to track down the baseball.
However, depending on his development, he would likely be battling time with young center fielder Evan Carter. The current center fielder provides similar things to Kling, but from the left batters box.
Despite the young outfielder already being in the majors, Kling will still have opportunities to slide into center field, but it’ll be all dependent on his development in the minor leagues.
Ryan Weingartner (STL): Round 8
Weingartner held similar expectations to Kling entering the draft. Mock drafts had him anywhere from the third round to the sixth or seventh round. With his substantial slide in the draft, it seemed the shortstop would lean toward returning to Penn State.
However, within a day of him being drafted, Weingartner signed with the Cardinals at full slot value.
Weingartner played shortstop throughout his collegiate career, but could slot in at either spot in the middle infield. Despite this, there will be a logjam at the top level by the time Weingartner would be ready for the MLB, if he gets to that point.
Infielder Ryan Weingartner (2) runs around the bases during his home run at the Penn State baseball game against Delaware at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Tuesday, April, 15, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Hens beat the Nittany Lions 13-3.Â
Megan Miller
The Cardinals have their middle infield of the future with Masyn Winn and 2024 first-round pick JJ Wetherholt.
It’ll all depend on his professional development, but it’s clear Weingartner has trust in the organization, signing with the team despite having another year to return to college available.
Ryan DeSanto (CLE): Round 12
With Ryan DeSanto ranked right around the same spot as Weingartner across multiple draft websites, it was a surprise to see him fall to the 12th round.
Like Weingartner, DeSanto’s slide in the draft could’ve increased the likelihood of his return to Happy Valley. However, he’s expected to sign with the Guardians and forgo his senior year.
DeSanto’s strong year showed he can throw deep into games, which will provide additional value in Cleveland’s organization.
The Guardians have a tendency to filter starting pitchers in and out of their rotation, which could prove good for DeSanto’s chances of making the big leagues.
Chase Renner (MIA): Round 13
Within just minutes, two Penn State pitchers came off the board. Chase Renner became the fourth Nittany Lion selected in the draft, the most since 2021.
Renner holds a high-velocity fastball which likely played a big factor into the decision to draft him in the 13th round.
The fit is there in the Marlins system, as well. A team that still holds a lot of young starting pitching prospects will need relievers to hold and save games for those starters.
Renner can do just that and likely do it pretty early in his professional career after proving his high-leverage situation success in the blue and white.
Right handed pitcher Chase Renner (25)Â prepares to catch a ball during the Penn State baseball game against FDU at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Knights 7-6.
Megan Miller
Bryce Molinaro (WSH): Round 18
Bryce Molinaro is the Penn State draftee who is most likely to not sign with his drafted team. If it was more up in the air, then the third baseman would’ve been selected much earlier.
Molinaro is just a redshirt sophomore, and has become the cornerstone of what Penn State and coach Mike Gambino are building. However, if he were to sign with the Nationals there aren’t too many openings at the front of the line.
Two of Washington’s top 10 prospects are third basemen, and Molinaro’s strong arm would likely keep him at the hot corner, creating a surplus of third base prospects.
Washington likely took Molinaro hoping for a chance for him to sign but it would make more sense for the third baseman to return to Penn State for his redshirt junior season and raise his draft stock.
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