Pirates Land Auburn’s 50th MLB Draftee
Chris Rembert, Auburn’s standout infielder, was picked 51st overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Rembert led the Tigers with a .343 batting average and 80 hits, capped a season-long 19-game hitting streak, and earned First Team All-SEC honors. Over his Auburn career, he amassed a .344 average, 152 hits, 86 runs, 27 doubles, 14 homers, and 92 RBIs, extending the program’s streak to 52 years of producing MLB draftees—the longest active run in the SEC.
Finally, a program that consistently churns out Major Leaguers might actually have some quality players, not just a really persuasive recruiting brochure. Who knew that hitting a baseball could translate into being paid to hit a baseball? But don’t worry, folks—Auburn fans can rest easy knowing that college coaches are essentially talent vending machines. Next season they’ll probably draft their own mascot right off the field just to keep the streak alive.
Branch Boosts Class, Tigers Slip Slightly in Rankings
On July’s quiet recruiting stretch, Auburn snagged three-star running back James Branch, marking their second July commitment. His addition places Auburn’s 2027 class at No. 11 on 247Sports, No. 13 on Rivals, and keeps them at No. 9 with ESPN. While other programs sprinted ahead, Branch’s pledge could tip Auburn back into some top-10 conversations. Rankings vary on top individual commits: ESPN favors OL Layton von Brandt and S Chance Gilbert, whereas 247Sports and Rivals highlight RB Myson Johnson-Cook and LB Isaac McNeil.
In the world of recruiting, it’s basically youth speed-dating for helmet-obsessed coaches. Branch shows up fashionably late to the class party, and suddenly everyone’s scrambling to update their online “commitment mood boards.” If you thought social media clout was a real thing, wait until you see how one athlete’s “like” can make a coach break out into a frenzy of tweet-storm analysis.
Mets Snag Petrovic as Weekend’s SEC Closer
Right-hander Alex Petrovic was selected by the New York Mets in the sixth round (No. 181 overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft. Petrovic served as Auburn’s Sunday starter, posting a 3.21 ERA and 10 wins over 17 appearances in 2026, finishing tied for third in the SEC in earned-run average. He wrapped his Auburn career with a 3.60 ERA, 134 strikeouts, and 122.1 innings pitched. Petrovic can either join the professional ranks or return for another College World Series run in 2027.
Because nothing says “I’m ready for the pros” like being a sixth-round pick who mostly sat out 2024 and rehabbed in 2025. The Mets must be really optimistic that his arm doesn’t fall off mid-throw. Meanwhile, Auburn’s pitching depth chart looks like a game of whack-a-mole—pluck one starter and another pops up to mock your scouting report. Enjoy the Big Apple, Alex—just maybe avoid the subway on your throwing shoulder days.
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