Path to the Pros: 2020 MLB Draft Tracker

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AUBURN, Ala. – The MLB draft looks a little different this year. Five rounds, two days and a total of 160 picks. But for a handful of Auburn players, that dream of becoming a professional ballplayer will become a reality. They will take the next step and join the growing list of Auburn alums playing at the next level. 

Follow along the next two days as we track the Tigers taken in the 2020 MLB draft.  

RoundNo.PlayerTeamPos
136Tanner BurnsCleveland IndiansSP
5142Bailey HornChicago White SoxSP
FAN/ARyan WatsonBaltimore OriolesP

DAY 1

SP Tanner Burns
Round 1, Pick 36, Cleveland Indians 

Auburn junior right-hander Tanner Burns was selected by the Cleveland Indians with the 36th overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round A of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft Wednesday night.

Burns becomes the ninth Auburn player selected in the first round in program history, including the third in five years under head coach Butch Thompson. He joins Gregg Olson (1988), Frank Thomas (1989), Bryan Hebson (1997), Chris Bootcheck (2000), Gabe Gross (2001), Josh Donaldson (2007), Anfernee Grier (2016) and Casey Mize (2018) on the list of Tigers to go in the first round.

"Hearing my name called in the first round is a dream come true, but I want to be a big leaguer, not just a professional baseball player, so there's still work to do," Burns said. "I can't thank my family enough for their unwavering support. They've been with me every step of the way. I also want to thank Coach Thompson and the Auburn baseball program for investing in me not only as a baseball player, but also as a person.

"Lastly, I want to thank the Cleveland Indians organization for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to take that next step toward achieving my dream. I can't wait to get to work."

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DAY 2

SP Bailey Horn
Round 5, Pick 142, Chicago White Sox 

Auburn redshirt junior left-hander Bailey Horn was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 11th pick (142nd overall) of the fifth round in the 2020 MLB Draft Thursday.

Coming on the heels of Tanner Burns being drafted in the first round last night, it marks the fourth time Auburn has had a pair of pitchers drafted in the top five rounds, including the first time since 1997. 

"It was a surreal feeling to get that call. I just can't explain it," Horn said of being drafted. "I've had a lot of help to get where I am today, and I can't thank the people in my corner enough. Coach [Butch] Thompson took a chance on me out of junior college, and I can't thank him enough for that. I'm excited for this next step in my career."

Horn made his way to Auburn from McLennan Community College prior to the 2019 season and played a pivotal role in Auburn's postseason run that culminated in Omaha, Nebraska, for the first time since 1997. The Waco, Texas, native gutted out a rain delay and pitched 6.0 scoreless innings in the regional final vs. Georgia Tech en route to being named to the Atlanta Regional All-Tournament Team. 

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**In addition to the current Auburn players listed above, signee Werner Blakely was selected by the Los Angeles Angels with the 10th pick in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Blakely was named a 2019 Under Armour All-American and was tabbed by multiple publications among the top prep talents in the country entering the draft. 

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

P Ryan Watson
Baltimore Orioles 

Senior right-hander Ryan Watson signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles as an undrafted free agent Sunday night.

Watson becomes the third member of the 2020 team to pursue his goal of playing professional baseball, joining Tanner Burns and Bailey Horn, who were drafted last week.

"Playing for this University has been a dream come true," Watson said. "I dreamed of playing for Auburn as a little kid and will cherish every moment of the last four years. Thank you to all the coaches, family, friends and teammates who have helped me get to this point in my baseball career. I'm excited to join the Baltimore Orioles organization and start this next chapter in my life."

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