Former Visalia prep ace taken in MLB Draft by defending World Series champs
Holden Powell, the former Mt. Whitney High ace, was selected in the third round by the Washington National on Thursday during the Major League Baseball amateur draft.
Powell, rated the 134th-best prospect by MLB.com, had completed an abbreviated junior season at UCLA.
“Really exciting day,” said the 6-foot, 190-pound right-hander. “This is what you strive and dream for. Very exciting moment for my family and I. It goes to show all that hard work pays off at the end and accumulated at this point.”
The approximate pick value is $618,200, according to the MLB. He plans to turn pro and forego his senior season with the Bruins.
Powell stood out for UCLA, albeit in a shortened season, when he made eight relief appearances and registered three saves with a 0.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 9.1 innings.
For his college career, Powell was a two-time All-American, 2019 NCBWA Stopper of the Year and freshman All-American 2019 All-Pac-12 team.
Back in high school, Powell helped led Mt. Whitney to the Central Section Division II title in 2017 and beat rival Redwood for a 2-1 victory in the title game. It gave the Pioneers their fifth section crown in school history and their first since 2008, according to section historian Bob Barnett.
Powell said he didn’t have too many conversations with the Nationals pre-draft but said he “knew it was an option.”
“When they called, I was very excited and pumped,” he said. “Just to be a part of a great organization, defending World Series title and great people in that organization. They believe in me and gave me an opportunity.”
Jamal O’Guinn goes undrafted
Former Buchanan High standout Jamal O’Guinn didn’t see his name get called in the draft.
Not all is lost for the USC infielder/outfielder.
Prior to Wednesday and Thursday, he said if he didn’t get drafted, he’d continue his collegiate career with two years of eligibility remaining.
The NCAA granted spring athletes an extra year for time missed because of COVID-19.
Just 160 picks were made this year instead of the normal 40 rounds because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teams can also sign an unlimited number of undrafted free agents for $20,000 each.
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 9:03 PM.
