Alabama’s Kade Snell and Richie Bonomolo Jr. were selected on the second day of the 2025 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Snell was picked by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round, 151st overall, while Bonomolo Jr. was chosen by the New York Yankees in the seventh round, 224th overall. The duo joins Riley Quick, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round, making it three Crimson Tide players drafted this year.
The draft marks a significant milestone for Alabama baseball under head coach Rob Vaughn, with nine players drafted over his first two seasons. Snell is notable as the first Crimson Tide player to be drafted by the Cubs since Colton Freeman in 2016 and is only the tenth in program history to be picked by them. Meanwhile, Bonomolo Jr. becomes the 22nd Alabama player selected by the Yankees.
The University of Alabama has had a strong presence in MLB drafts historically, with at least one player drafted each year for 47 consecutive years and a total of 179 draft picks since 1966. This year’s draft took place over two days in Atlanta as part of All-Star Game festivities.
Both players have impressive records during their time at Alabama. Snell served as team captain and posted a .363 batting average during his final season. He also earned several accolades including Second Team All-America honors from ABCA/Rawlings. Bonomolo Jr., known for his on-base skills, maintained a .311 average and led Alabama in walks and sacrifice flies.
All players with remaining eligibility have the option to return to Alabama if they choose not to sign professional contracts.
