Like his brother before him, Brian Walters is going pro.
Walters, the younger brother of former UM closer and current
Cleveland Guardians reliever Andrew Walters,
was picked in the MLB draft. The Philadelphia Phillies picked Walters in the eighth round. He is the second UM player picked in this year’s draft after the Seattle Mariners picked
Griffin Hugus in the third round on Sunday.
The Mariners picked Walters in the 19th round last year, but he opted to return to UM. That is unlikely this year; the 251st pick’s slot value is $215,100, so the redshirt junior will probably not return to the Hurricanes.
Walters started his college career at East Florida State College, pitching one year in junior college before transferring to UM. Walters pitched two games for the Hurricanes in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury.
Walters was an effective reliever in 2024, notching a 3.29 ERA in 15 appearances. He started the 2025 season in the rotation, but after scuffling as a starter, he moved back to the bullpen.
Walters ended the season with a 4.94 ERA but had 11 saves and struck out 56 batters in 51 innings pitched.
