Robertson, Knapp selected in 2025 MLB Draft

ATLANTA, GA – Two Senators joined an exclusive group on Monday afternoon.

Taking place in Atlanta during All-Star Weekend, the 2025 MLB Draft finished on Monday. In the eighth round, former Walters State pitcher Jake Knapp was selected by the Chicago Cubs. The 13th round saw Aiden Robertson come off the board, selected by the Texas Rangers. 

Knapp and Robertson make it 27 draft picks for Walters State in the MLB Draft since head coach Dave Shelton took charge in 2014. Knapp is one of two former Senators taken by the Cubs, the other being Dan Foli in 2001. Robertson is the eighth Senator to be taken by the Rangers (Kohl Drake in 2022, Corey Stone in 2019, Brett Martin and Will Carter in 2014, Chad Bell in 2009, Lance McClain in 2006 and Jimmy Meadows in 1984). 

Robertson was selected after going 13-1 and totaling 130 strikeouts in 2025 for Walters State. Robertson led the country in strikeouts and was second in the country in wins. He had a K/9 of 13.05. Robertson was second in the country in innings pitched at 89.2. Robertson went 3-0 in four postseason starts, including a 2-0 record in the JUCO World Series. 

Robertson's best start of the season came against Dyersburg State on March 27, throwing a complete game shutout. Robertson allowed just four hits and struck out 11. Robertson also threw a five-inning two-hitter against Volunteer State, striking out 10. Robertson had five games with double-digit strikeouts.

Robertson was an NJCAA 1st Team All-American, the TCCAA Pitcher of the Year, a member of the All-TCCAA First Team and was named to the JUCO World Series All-Tournament Team. With Robertson's help, the Senators finished JUCO World Series Runner-Ups. 

Robertson appeared in 14 games his freshman season in 2024, striking out 26 batters in 18.2 innings of work. He had a 3.38 ERA. 

Before his domination at UNC, Knapp did the same at Walters State. During his sophomore season in 2022, Knapp went 14-1, tying the school record for wins, and had an ERA of 2.12 in 80.2 innings pitched. Knapp had 111 strikeouts and a k/9 of 12.38. Knapp threw three complete games and was named an NJCAA DI Baseball Third Team All-American. 

During his freshman season at Walters State, Knapp went 7-3 and struck out 65 batters in 56 innings. 

In Knapp's two seasons as a Senator, Walters State went 121-14, won Region 7 and the Appalachian District twice, had a seventh-place finish at the JUCO World Series in 2021 and a third-place finish at the JUCO World Series in 2022.

Following his time at Walters State, Knapp went to UNC and compiled a 5-4 record with a 5.04 ERA in 16 starts during his junior season. Knapp carried that momentum into the fall of his senior season. However, adversity struck before the year could even begin when Knapp was forced to have Tommy John surgery and missed the entire season.

Using that as motivation, Knapp came back and dominated from the start in 2025. Knapp finished the season with a 14-0 record, which was tops in the country. Knapp had a 2.02 ERA, 88 strikeouts, just 16 walks and threw two complete games. Knapp threw 102.1 innings.

Knapp was named the NCAA Baseball Pitcher of the Year by The College Baseball Foundation.