A pair of Alabama State Hornets were selected in the 2025 MLB draft on Monday.<\/p>\n
Both selected in the 20th round, first baseman Juan Cruz was selected by the Washington Nationals with pick No. 591 and outfielder Kameron Douglas went to the Detroit Tigers at No. 609.<\/p>\n
Cruz was named SWAC Hitter of the Year after a standout season with the Hornets that saw him bat .420 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles and 73 RBIs. He posted a .481 on-base percentage with stole six bases.<\/p>\n
His 105 hits led all Division I athletes last season while his batting average ranked No. 8 among all qualified players.<\/p>\n
The 6-foot-5 first baseman also claimed first-team all-SWAC honors and was named SWAC Freshman of the Year in 2024 with the Hornets. Following the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and announced his commitment to Georgia.<\/p>\n
A fellow first-team all-SWAC pick, Douglas batted .335 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs for Alabama State in his lone season with the Hornets, posting a .419 on-base percentage and a .639 slugging percentage.<\/p>\n
His 79 hits ranked fourth among all SWAC players, while his home run mark ranked No. 3. <\/p>\n
He also had three multi-home run games last season with Alabama State with a season-high five RBIs against Bethune-Cookman on May 2.<\/p>\n
The Hornets went 31-29 last season and 21-9 in SWAC play, falling to eventual champion Bethune-Cookman in the SWAC Baseball Tournament at Rickwood Field in Birmingham.<\/p>\n
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