Garrett Wright Selected by Angels in 2026 MLB Draft, Expected to Begin Pro Career

Garrett Wright has officially taken the next step toward professional baseball after being selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

The former Jackson High School standout was chosen with the 229th overall pick, becoming one of the top college catchers taken on Day 2 of the draft and continuing an impressive rise that took him from the Mid-American Conference to the SEC in just three collegiate seasons.

For fans searching “Who drafted Garrett Wright?”, “Will Garrett Wright sign with the Angels?”, or “Garrett Wright MLB Draft 2026,” here’s everything you need to know.

Angels Draft Garrett Wright in the Eighth Round

The Angels used the sixth selection of the eighth round to add Wright, a versatile catcher whose offensive breakout at Tennessee significantly boosted his draft stock.

Entering the draft, MLB Pipeline ranked Wright as the No. 190 prospect, making his selection at No. 229 solid value for an Angels organization looking to strengthen its farm system with polished college talent.

From Bowling Green to Tennessee

Wright’s collegiate career featured steady improvement at every stop.

He spent his first two seasons at Bowling Green, where he quickly established himself as one of the MAC’s top players.

His accomplishments included:

• 2024 MAC Freshman of the Year
• 2025 MAC Defensive Player of the Year
• Led the MAC with a .406 batting average in 2025

Following that breakout campaign, Wright transferred to Tennessee, where he proved his production could translate against SEC competition.

Garrett Wright’s 2026 Tennessee Stats

In his lone season with the Volunteers, Wright became one of the team’s most reliable hitters.

2026 Season Statistics

• Batting Average: .348
• OPS: 1.033
• Doubles: 17
• Triples: 1
• Home Runs: 9
• Runs Scored: 41
• RBIs: 30

Batting leadoff for much of the season, Wright consistently set the tone offensively while helping Tennessee finish 38-22 and advance to NCAA Regional play.

Defensive Versatility Adds Value

Although Wright’s primary position is catcher, scouts have also been intrigued by his athleticism.

The 6-foot, 193-pound right-hander has the ability to play the outfield, giving the Angels multiple developmental options as he begins his professional career.

Defensively, he was outstanding in 2026, committing just one error in 179 total chances, demonstrating the reliability teams seek from premium defensive players.

Will Garrett Wright Sign With the Angels?

While Wright still has one season of NCAA eligibility remaining, all indications suggest he will begin his professional career.

Before the draft, Wright stated he expected to sign if selected.

The deadline for drafted players to sign is July 27, and the assigned slot value for the No. 229 overall selection is approximately $249,300.

Unless negotiations take an unexpected turn, Wright is widely expected to join the Angels organization.

A Historic Pick for Stark County

Wright also continues a recent trend of professional talent emerging from northeast Ohio.

He becomes the first Stark County player selected in the MLB Draft since Gavin Bruni was chosen by the Washington Nationals in the 17th round of the 2024 draft.

His journey from Jackson High School to Tennessee and now professional baseball serves as another example of the area’s growing pipeline of elite talent.

Final Take

Garrett Wright enters professional baseball after proving himself at every level of college competition. His offensive consistency, defensive reliability, and positional versatility made him an attractive selection for the Angels, who add another polished college player to their system.

With a strong likelihood of signing before the July 27 deadline, Wright now appears ready to begin the next chapter of his baseball career as he works his way through the Angels’ minor league organization.

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