Despite the annual MLB Draft now being shortened to 20 rounds and compensatory picks for eligible teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers rolled the dice in 2023 by selecting DJ Uiagalelei, who at the time was the likely starting quarterback for Oregon State University that fall after transferring from Clemson University.
Uiagalelei was a heralded quarterback prospect coming out of high school but has yet to find much sustained success. After a ballyhooed move in transferring to Florida State, Uiagalelei and the Seminoles football team are off to an 0-3 start this season and have looked every bit the part of an underwhelming team.
That’s been a disappointing development for Florida State, who overall have now lost four games in a row since being left out of the College Football Playoff last season.
Uiagalelei’s play has come under intense scrutiny as he’s managed just one touchdown and 465 passing yards so far this year.
Uiagalelei’s decision to transfer to Florida State under head coach Mike Norvell was made in January 2024, well after the deadline for MLB Draft picks to sign with teams.
Florida State’s latest defeat came at home to Memphis, where Norvell was the head coach before being hired by the Seminoles in December 2019 to replace Willie Taggart.
The Dodgers signed all but three of their 22 picks from the 2023 MLB Draft, with the only exceptions being Jaxon Jelkin (14th round), Javen Coleman (16th) and Uiagalelei (20th).
DJ Uiagalelei MLB Draft details
Uiagalelei was the Dodgers’ final pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the 610th overall selection. Given that he was taken in the 20th round, Uiagalelei never figured to be a likely signing.
He played for Oregon State last fall but transferred to Florida State for his fifth and final year of NCAA eligibility. Uiagalelei has transferred twice in his collegiate career.
The right-hander was a two-sport athlete when he last played baseball at St. John Bosco High School, where he made just three appearances with a 4.50 ERA in 4.2 IP with five strikeouts. Uiagalelei’s fastball at the time reached the mid 90s.
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