Another South Carolina baseball signee taken in early rounds of MLB Draft

South Carolina baseball signee PJ Morlando (Miami Marlins; Round 1, Pick 16) and All-American catcher Cole Messina (Colorado Rockies; Round 3, Pick 77) were taken in the 2024 MLB Draft on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

The next Gamecock taken in the draft was another 2024 signee, however, though Morlando was a high school prospect, this third selection came from the junior college ranks as left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke (State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota) was taken in the 5th round by the Boston Red Sox. His selection was the 148th overall in this year's draft.

Clarke, who began his college baseball career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, went down to the junior college ranks and performed extremely well, earning a top-10 junior college prospect ranking (#6 pitcher; #3 left-handed pitcher; #11 overall player). The Gamecocks earned his commitment in October of 2023.

With a fastball that can touch the upper 90s, a big breaking ball, and a strong frame that looked like it could add even more strength and stamina to his pitching profile, Clarke's potential always has been high, and the prospect of him being taken early in the MLB Draft was always on the table.

Clarke could wind up in Columbia to play for first-year coach Paul Mainieri, but the near-half $500,000 bonus that comes with his draft slot is very enticing. It is hard for anyone to pass up big money, so expecting Clarke to become a Gamecock could cause one to be disappointed.

The South Carolina baseball 2024 signing class has several other players who will be taken in the draft before all is said and done, and the current Gamecock roster has a few draft prospects, as well. How many of them will elect to go pro and how many of them will be in Columbia for the 2025 season is not yet known.