San Francisco Giants select Bednar No. 14 overall in 2021 MLB Draft

STARKVILLE, Miss — Mississippi State sophomore right-handed pitcher Will Bednar was selected by the San Francisco Giants with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft on Sunday.

Bednar, hailing from Valencia, Pennsylvania, helped the Bulldogs win their first national championship in school history this year and was named Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series after allowing just three runs and five hits in 18 ¹⁄₃ innings.

In Game 3 of the College World Series finals against Vanderbilt, Bednar held the Commodores hitless over six innings as the Bulldogs won 9-0. Overall, he went 9-1 with a 3.12 ERA during the 2021 season and struck out 139 batters in 92 ¹⁄₃ innings.

The No. 14 overall pick is assigned a recommended slot value of $4,036,800, but Bednar could be paid less than that if he agrees to sign under slot value or more than that if the Giants choose to do so.

In 2020, Bednar had a 1.76 ERA in four appearances (one start) during the shortened COVID-19 season. He struck out 23 batters in 15 ¹⁄₃ innings.

Bednar is the 18th first-round pick in MSU history, following infielders Justin Foscue and Jordan Westburg from last year’s draft.

Day 2 of the draft begins Monday at noon CT with Rounds 2-10 to be completed.