For the second year in a row, the Clemson Tigers had a pitcher taken in the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels.
Right-hander Lucas Mahlstedt was selected by the Angels in the seventh round of the draft Monday with the 199th overall pick. The Tigers’ closer for 2025 is the second Clemson player to be selected in the draft after the Miami Marlins drafted outfielder Cam Cannarella with the No. 43 overall pick Sunday.
Mahlstedt is also the second Clemson pitcher taken by the Angels organization in as many seasons. Last year, the club drafted another Tigers closer in right-hander Austin Gordon.
Mahlstedt, who features a sidearm delivery, made the most appearances of any Clemson pitcher in 2025. He appeared in 27 games across 48 innings and was 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA. Mahlstedt’s 15 saves were third in the NCAA behind Alabama Crimson Tide right-hander Carson Ozmer and Oklahoma Sooners right-hander Dylan Crooks.
A native of Ormond Beach, Florida, Mahlstedt was named a finalist for the 2025 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, presented annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher.
Mahlstedt transferred to Clemson from Wofford following the 2023 season and appeared in 55 games for the Tigers over two seasons. He was a combined 8-2 with a 3.92 ERA in that span, striking out 100 batters and walking 23.
The draft will continue through all 20 rounds Monday and can be seen on MLB Network.