Bryce Molinaro is putting his dream of playing professional baseball on hold.
The former Hazleton Area standout announced on social media Friday that he is returning to Penn State for the 2026 season rather than signing with the Washington Nationals, the team that selected him earlier this week in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft (501st overall).
In the post, Molinaro said his decision came after discussion with his family and coaches. He also thanked Nittany Nation for their support throughout this season.
“I’m coming back determined to dominate on the field and to keep developing under coach Gambino and his tremendous staff,” Molinaro wrote. “I can’t wait to be back with my teammates at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.”
He concluded by writing, “I’m back! We Are!”
Molinaro was part of a program record-tying five draft picks and record-setting number of picks for a 20-round draft. Penn State also had five players selected in 2007 when the draft was 50 rounds.
He started all 56 games for the Nittany Lions this season and batted .267 (60 for 225) with eight doubles, three triples, 13 home runs, 46 runs, 61 RBIs and eight stolen bases. He led the team in triples and RBIs and tied for the team lead in home runs. Also, his 61 RBIs rank second in a season, trailing only Shawn Fagan with 80 in 2000.
For his career, Molinaro has a batting average of .296 (128 for 432) in 109 games with 21 doubles, four triples, 24 home runs, 92 runs, 106 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. His .530 slugging percentage ranks seventh in program history.
Penn State was 33-23 this season, posting the program’s second-most wins in a season behind the 2000 team, which had 45 wins. In the Big Ten Tournament, the Nittany Lions were seeded No. 9, but knocked off No. 5 Washington and and No. 4 USC before losing in the semifinals to No. 8 Nebraska.