MORAGA, Calif. - What a difference a year can make as sophomore
Aiden Taurek was taken in the 13th round as the 392nd pick to the Seattle Mariners in the 2025 MLB Draft. After making just three starts and recording eight hits during the 2024 season, Taurek broke out for a career year in 2025 earning All-WCC Second Team honors with a .328 average and a conference leading 20 doubles.
Taurek was able to perform on a national stage as Saint Mary's won the WCC Tournament and knocked off 8th ranked Oregon State in the Corvallis Regional for their first NCAA Tournament win in program history. The Santa Ana native stood as one of the team's most complete hitters throughout the season, possessing the ability to hit to all fields and with power as he recorded a career high eleven home runs. As a team, Saint Mary's led the WCC with a .299 batting average, 628 hits, 117 doubles, 471 runs scored and a .480 slugging percentage representing one of the best offenses on the west coast.
Taurek wrapped up the 2025 season as the team's everyday left fielder starting in 61 games with a .328 average, 77 hits, 20 doubles, eleven homers, 46 RBI and a .980 OPS. His 20 doubles not only led the conference but also ranked third most in single-season program history.
"We could not be more excited for Aiden and his family for getting drafted by the Seattle Mariners", said Gaels head coach
Eric Valenzuela. "Aiden is a special talent and an even better teammate. He impacted the program in more ways than one and we can't wait to follow and support him as he starts his professional career with the Mariners. Aiden represents what this program is all about and we couldn't be happier for him and his family" (Valenzuela).
Saint Mary's has had players taken in four of the last five drafts dating back to 2021 including back-to-back years after pitcher
Preston Howey was taken in the 14th round by the Detroit Tigers in the 2024 MLB Draft.
All selections in the 2025 MLB Draft can be found at mlb.com and be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
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