Two Bakersfield products selected in 2026 MLB Draft
Bakersfield was represented twice during the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft as two local products heard their names called on the final day of the annual event.
Former Frontier High School standout Hudson Barrett was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the eighth round with the 224th overall pick, while Highland High graduate Alejandro Garza was chosen by the Cleveland Guardians in the 15th round with the 453rd overall selection.
The selections mark the first time Bakersfield has produced multiple MLB Draft picks since 2022, when Cutter Coffey and Austin Charles were both selected out of local high schools.
Hudson Barrett
Barrett's baseball journey began at Frontier High School, where he established himself as one of the area's top pitchers before continuing his collegiate career at UC Santa Barbara. Following two successful seasons with the Gauchos, Barrett transferred to Oklahoma State for his final collegiate season.
The left-hander quickly became a reliable arm for the Cowboys, showcasing the size, command and pitch mix that attracted professional scouts throughout the spring. His performance ultimately earned him an opportunity to continue his career in the Rockies organization as an eighth-round selection.
Alejandro Garza
Garza followed a different path, starring at Highland High School before remaining in California to play for Cal Poly.
Over three seasons with the Mustangs, the infielder developed into one of the Big West Conference's most dependable hitters. His consistent offensive production helped Cal Poly produce one of the nation's top draft classes, with seven Mustangs selected during the 2026 MLB Draft. Garza was taken by Cleveland in the 15th round, becoming one of 23 Big West players selected this year.
Barrett and Garza become the first Bakersfield products drafted since 2022, when Stockdale High's Austin Charles was selected by the Kansas City Royals and Liberty High's Cutter Coffey was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Coffey has continued to climb through Toronto's minor league system and is currently ranked among the organization's Top 30 prospects. Earlier this year, he received a non-roster invitation to Major League Spring Training, allowing him to begin camp alongside the Blue Jays' big league roster before returning to minor league camp.
Charles, meanwhile, continues his development in the Royals organization and has put together an impressive 2026 season, (.306 average, .377 on-base percentage, .868 OPS, three home runs, 19 RBIs and eight stolen bases) further establishing himself as one of the organization's emerging young prospects.
With Barrett and Garza now beginning their professional careers, Bakersfield adds two more names to its growing list of players chasing a path to The Show.
