The 2024 MLB Draft concluded on Tuesday afternoon (July 16) with three USC baseball players seeing their dreams realized: Josh Blum to the New York Mets, Ryan Jackson to the San Diego Padres, and Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek to the Toronto Blue Jays.
These selections capped off a successful draft period for USC, following the earlier picks of Austin Overn and William Watson on Monday. Blum, selected in the 16th round, showcased his skills as a junior right-hander from Texas, excelling as the Trojans’ closer with a standout season. He boasted a stellar 1.87 ERA in 27 relief appearances, securing 10 saves—a feat that ranked third in the Pac-12 and 14th in the NCAA for the season. Blum’s pitching prowess included an impressive 45 strikeouts over 33.2 innings, limiting opponents to a mere .154 batting average. Throughout his tenure at USC, he has amassed a 3.81 ERA and a 5-1 record exclusively from relief appearances.
Ryan Jackson, who transferred to USC from Nevada in 2023, made a significant impact as an infielder, solidifying his position as a key contributor to the team’s success. During the latest season, Jackson showcased a robust .323 batting average, contributing 18 doubles—a figure that placed him sixth in the Pac-12. His offensive contributions extended to 39 RBIs, 38 runs scored, and a combination of four home runs and one triple. Jackson’s all-around performance earned him recognition with an All-Pac-12 honorable mention and a place on the Pac-12 All-Tournament team, underscoring his role as a pivotal figure for the Trojans.
Similarly, Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek joined USC from UCLA in 2023, enriching the team’s lineup with his consistent hitting and versatile play in the infield. Despite some setbacks this season, Martin-Grudzielanek maintained a solid .284 batting average, contributing 13 RBIs and 14 runs scored. His impressive freshman campaign in 2023 included a .302 batting average, 40 RBIs, and 40 runs scored, bolstered by seven home runs, 10 doubles, and two triples—a testament to his power and ability to deliver under pressure.
The draft selections further solidified USC’s legacy as a premier institution for MLB talent development. With 354 draft picks in its storied history, USC maintains an unbroken streak of player selections since the inception of the MLB Draft in 1965. This year’s five selections mark the highest number for USC since 2019, showcasing the ongoing commitment to nurturing top-tier athletes and preparing them for professional success.
Beyond the draft, USC boasts an unparalleled tradition of MLB success, with 119 Trojans making their mark in the Big Leagues—the highest of any NCAA institution. Among their achievements are 67 MLB All-Star appearances, 29 World Series appearances, nine Cy Young awards, three Hall of Famers, three Rookie of the Year Awards, one American League MVP, and one World Series MVP. This rich legacy underscores USC’s pivotal role in shaping baseball history and its ongoing impact on the sport’s highest levels.
As the newly drafted Trojans embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them not only the skills honed on USC’s fields but also the legacy of excellence and achievement that defines the Trojan baseball program. Their success in the MLB Draft serves as a testament to USC’s commitment to cultivating talent, fostering leadership, and perpetuating a tradition of greatness that extends far beyond the diamond.