South Carolina baseball signee, All-American's brother taken in MLB Draft 12th round

South Carolina baseball fans have seen Gamecocks from every stage selected in the 2024 MLB Draft. High school signee PJ Morlando (Miami Marlins; Round 1, Pick 16), All-American catcher Cole Messina (Colorado Rockies; Round 3, Pick 77), junior college signee Brandon Clarke (Boston Red Sox; Round 5, Pick 148), right-handed pitcher Eli Jones (Minnesota Twins; Round 7, Pick 218), and left-handed pitcher Garrett Gainey (Tampa Bay Rays; Round 9, Pick 276) all heard their names called on days 1 and 2 of the draft festivities.

Tuesday was the last day of the MLB Draft, and several more Gamecocks were expected to be taken.

Day 3's first Gamecock selection came in the form of class of 2024 high school signee Carson Messina. The right-handed pitcher was taken in the 12th round (the 367th overall pick) by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Messina, high school teammates of fellow Gamecock 2024 signee PJ Morlando at Summerville High School in the Lowcountry of the Palmetto State, is a high-velocity arm who also has some pop as a big-swinging power hitter. He has been expected to pursue a career as a pitcher, though, whether his future is at the college level or as a professional.

It is not 100% clear what Messina's plans are for next year. If he heads to Columbia, he will spend three years playing college baseball before being draft-eligible again. If he forgoes his college career, he can report to rookie ball camp this summer.

Earlier in the draft process, Messina was expected to be taken sometime on the second day of the MLB Draft, and he was believed to be a clear pro signee. Perhaps his slight fall in the draft could make a move to the college ranks more likely, but South Carolina baseball fans shouldn't count on that happening. Messina still will be offered a fair amount of money to begin his professional career early.

There likely will be a few more Gamecocks taken before the 2024 MLB Draft ends later on Tuesday.