The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Sam Horn in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft and they were able to come to an agreement to sign the right-hander.
The Dodgers went over slot to sign Horn with a $497,500 signing bonus, but it also included a unique agreement that allowed him to continue playing football with the University of Missouri.
Horn was in a competition for the Tigers’ starting quarterback job, and that extended into the first game of their season. Horn was expected to split time with Beau Pribula in the Tigers’ season-opener on Thursday.
Unfortunately for Horn, his opportunity ended just as it began. On Horn’s first play, he ran a designed quarterback draw that resulted in an injury to his knee.
Horn was on the ground for a minute before being helped by the trainers to the medical tent and locker room. He did not return to the game, and after, Horn was spotted with a full-leg cast and using crutches.
Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz didn’t have an update after the game, but said Horn is set to undergo an MRI on Friday, via Calum McAndew of the Columbia Daily Tribune:
“I’m not gonna speculate,” Drinkwitz said postgame. “I don’t have a doctorate degree. We’ll find out tomorrow (Friday) in the MRI.”
Horn appeared in four games for Mizzou from 2022-2023 and attempted only eight passes while serving as the backup quarterback.
He missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Horn posted a 4.22 ERA in five abbreviated starts while on the mound in 2025. In parts of two seasons with the Tigers, Horn allowed five runs and 10 hits across 15 innings pitched. He collected 20 strikeouts and walked 11 batters.
The 21-year-old was ranked 128th in MLB Pipeline’s prospect rankings for the 2025 MLB Draft.
Prior to the Dodgers drafting Horn, there were some signability concerns due to his commitment to continue playing football. This was always part of the risk with signing him, but the Dodgers felt it was worth it with his upside.
Still, Horn could very well still develop into a quality prospect for the Dodgers, even if he was to miss some significant time.
Dodgers previously drafted quarterback
The Dodgers previously 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.
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.
Uiagalelei was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but did end up signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He did not make their 53-man roster, but signed onto their practice squad to serve as their emergency quarterback.
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