Philadelphia Phillies select Notre Dame pitcher Alex Rao in eighth round of MLB Draft

On3 imageby:Tyler Horka07/18/22

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The run of Notre Dame players picked in the 2022 MLB Draft continued Monday with right-handed pitcher Alex Rao. The Philadelphia Phillies selected the would-be fifth-year senior with the No. 242 overall pick in the eighth round of the draft.

Rao joined third-baseman-right-handed pitcher Jack Brannigan and right-handed pitcher Liam Simon as 2022 draftees. Brannigan went in the third round with the No. 83 overall pick to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Simon was the last selection of the fifth round, going No. 166 overall pick to the San Francisco Giants.

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Rao’s selection meant Notre Dame had three players picked in the same draft for the first time since 2018. That shouldn’t come as a surprise; it takes next-level talent to reach the College World Series. The Irish made it to Omaha for the first time in 20 years and for the third time ever in 2022.

Rao had the second-most appearances (25) of any Notre Dame pitcher this past season behind rising fifth-year senior Aidan Tyrell‘s 26. All of Rao’s 47 innings came in relief. He went 3-1 with a 3.83 ERA. He struck out 57 batters and walked 28.

The slot value for Rao’s selection is $178,100. A team can offer more or less than that depending on how much it wants the particular player to join the organization. As a general rule, college seniors with one year of eligiblity remaining such as Rao will sign a contract and begin a professional career when picked in the mid rounds. It’s long been speculated Rao will be off to the pros. His selection Monday all but solidified that stance.

Brannigan and Simon are likely on their way out of Notre Dame for similar reasons. Brannigan was selected early enough to garner a slot value of $770,300. Simon’s slot value was $322,400. Brannigan and Simon have two years of eligibility remaining, but there isn’t much they could do in two seasons to bolster draft stock. When you’ve got a chance to go, you go, unless you’re a high school draftee picked late willing to bet on yourself.

Notre Dame commit David Lally could fall into that category. As of the time of Rao’s selection, Lally had not yet been drafted despite being ranked as the No. 157 overall prospect per MLB.com. The further he slips in the draft, the more likely it is he will end up in South Bend — unlike fellow commit Owen Murphy, who was selected with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round by the Atlanta Braves.

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