Rutgers Scarlet Knights Ryan Lasko - Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics
There were just two Rutgers draft picks in the 2023 MLB Draft. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2023 season is one that will be looked back on for years, despite not pushing far in the Big Ten tournament. The two players are Ryan Lasko and Drew Conover. Not only are they the only two members of the Scarlet Knights to have their names called, there is something else special about where the two are headed. Here is a look at the two Rutgers draft picks, and why it is special this year.
Rutgers Draft Pick: Ryan Lasko
With the 51st pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, The Oakland Athletics select Ryan Lasko. Lasko became a second-round pick from the Scarlet Knights this year. The outfielder has been a big part of this Rutgers team. Round 2 Pick 51 Athletics. Lasko is a strong baseball player and one of the best that the Scarlet Knights have had in a long time.
In 2023, Lasko made the All-Big Ten First Team, as well as the ABCA All-Region First Team. This is after playing in 56 games, starting in all of them. The Rutgers player hit 60 runs this season, and 11 home runs, according to Baseball Reference. The Oakland A’s are getting a strong player in this Rutgers draft pick.
Drew Conover
With the 316th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Oakland Athletics select Drew Conover. Conover’s selection comes in the 11th round, but still another player from the Scarlet Knights. Conover has been a Scarlet Knight for just one season, but he is still a Rutgers player to be shown in this year’s draft. He is a relief pitcher, and despite being an 11th-round pick, it is still a solid selection for the A’s.
Conover has been a part of just 17 games in the 2023 season, starting in 14. Of the games he was the pitcher in, the Rutgers draft pick had 83 strikeouts, according to Baseball Reference. If the reason that this pick is even more impressive is not clear yet, it is the team Conover is heading to.
Both Ryan Lasko and Drew Conover are heading to the Oakland A’s. It is naturally a great experience to be a selection in any professional sports draft. To have this many rounds in one draft, and still be heading to the same team as your college teammate is special. Who knows if either will play for Oakland, but it is still a great look that there is more than one Rutgers draft pick in this year’s MLB Draft.
