2 more Blue Devils, Oschell and Romano, selected on Day 3 of MLB Draft

Oschell took a step back in 2024, regressing slightly from his breakout sophomore season in which he posted an impressive 0.69 ERA and was named an All-American by multiple outlets. Oschell allowed just three earned runs in 39.1 innings pitched in his dominant second year, but consistently struggled to find the zone as a junior, walking six more batters than he struck out and recording an uninspiring 6.94 ERA. Despite the command issues, Oschell stands at 6-foot-7 and is sure to be an intriguing developmental project for the Angels. With a whiff-inducing fastball that sits in the mid-90s and can reach near 100 miles per hour, Oschell could eventually turn into a high-value pick at 352nd overall — if he is able to dial in his command.

Improving abundantly in his second season of action in Durham, Romano evolved into a reliable middle-innings reliever for head coach Chris Pollard. Taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the 16th round with the 479th overall pick, the Roseland, N.J., native sports a solid fastball that can touch the mid-90s and a plus offspeed that he used as a strikeout pitch throughout his time as a Blue Devil. Romano recorded 34 strikeouts to just 10 walks last season, indicating a potential to grow into a solid right-hander at the professional level.

All five players drafted for the Blue Devils were pitchers, meaning Pollard and pitching coach Brady Kirkpatrick will need to replenish the lost arms. Notably, sophomore pitcher Andrew Healy — who participated in the MLB Draft combine in late June — was not selected.

With the 2024 MLB Draft come and gone, Pollard and his staff will move toward preparing for the 2025 campaign, looking once again to finally make a run at the College World Series.