Joe Tiroly Selected by Padres in 2026 MLB Draft

Draft Day Highlights

San Diego picked up Pennsbury product Joe Tiroly in the seventh round, the 215th overall selection during Sunday’s second day of the 2026 MLB Draft. The 21‑year‑old spent his junior season at Virginia, following two years at Rider. Tiroly’s late‑round status surprised many observers, but the Padres viewed his skill set as a valuable addition to their infielder depth. The selection capped a day that saw 13 rounds of talent assessed by big‑league clubs.

College Numbers at Virginia

At Virginia, Tiroly batted .319 and led the Cavaliers in home runs (16), runs batted in (66) and hits (76) while posting a .984 OPS—the second‑best mark on the team. He primarily manned second base and hit third in the lineup, contributing both power and consistency. The .984 OPS showcased his ability to generate offensive production at the college level. Tiroly’s statistical impact helped Virginia advance deep into the postseason.

All‑Tournament Heroics

His standout performance earned Tiroly a spot on the Hattiesburg, Mississippi Regional all‑tournament team. The turning point arrived in the Cavaliers’ 15‑11, 10‑inning victory over Southern Miss on May 30, when he erupted for a three‑run homer and tallied four RBIs. That display highlighted his clutch hitting under pressure and solidified his reputation as a key postseason contributor. The regional run marked a career‑defining stretch for the influx of talent from Pennsbury.

Classmates Also Drawing Attention

Fellow Bucks County native Ryan Zuckerman was also projected to be among Sunday’s picks, boasting a polished season for Georgia Tech. Zuckerman paced the Yellow Jackets in home runs (23) and RBIs (79), the latter tying for eighth in the nation while setting personal bests across multiple offensive categories. The 6‑4, 230‑pound third baseman earned D1 Baseball first‑team All‑American honors and was named ACC Tournament MVP. Meanwhile, Aiden Robbins (Holy Ghost Prep) was taken 92nd overall by the New York Mets on Saturday, adding another local name to the draft narrative.

What the Padres Gain

Mock drafts had projected Tiroly ranging from the third to eighth round, and his rank of No. 147 by mlb.com suggested he fell later than many expected. The Padres’ decision to select him at No. 215 indicates a belief in his developmental upside and versatility at second base. With a solid .319 average and a high offensive output, Tiroly gives San Diego depth on the infield and a potential future contributor to their threat lineup. Expect him to begin his professional journey in the rookie leagues, where his college‑tested skill set can be refined under major‑league guidance.

2026 MLB Draft hopefuls, from left, Ryan Zuckerman, Joe Tiroly and Aiden Robbins share a moment at the mid-June MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix.