ARLINGTON, Tex. – Logan Samuels has been drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2024 MLB draft, Monday, in Arlington, Texas.
 
With the 251^st pick in the eighth round, Atlanta selected the right-handed pitcher, making Samuels the highest draft pick in University of Montevallo history.
 
"I couldn't be happier or prouder for Logan," said Head Coach Chandler Rose. "He's a fantastic young man and incredible teammate. He comes from an amazing family and has tremendous work ethic. It's been so much fun watching him develop over the past four years and we are excited to continue watching him chase his dream."
 
Samuels, a native of Winfield, Alabama is the 19^th Falcon to be drafted and the first since 2019 when Tyler Krabbe was selected by the Houston Astros in the 19^th round.

"I am beyond thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to play for the Atlanta Braves," said Samuels. "I could not have made it through this process without my fiancé, my family and friends, and Coach Rose. Coach Rose was not only the best coach for me at Montevallo but also has assisted my throughout the entire draft process. I also want to say a huge thank you to my pitching and assistant coach, Ivey Starling and Andy Revell for investing in me during my time at Montevallo. Go Falcons."
 
As the 251^st pick in the 2024 MLB draft, Samuels passed UM Hall of Famer Rusty Greer who was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 10^th round of the 1990 draft, as the highest draft pick in program history.
 
Additionally, Samuels is the first Falcon drafted by the Atlanta Braves.
 
"We've had so many incredible players partake in this tradition over the 66 years of this programs rich history and to be the highest pick ever is an amazing and well-deserved honor," added Rose.
 
The right-hander joins Will Fulmer, Dane Hutcheon and Tyler Krabbe as the fourth player to be drafted under Head Coach Chandler Rose, and the first pitcher. In addition, Samuels is the first Montevallo pitcher drafted since Mick Fieldbinder in 1996.
 
Samuels pitched in 180 innings during his career as a Falcon and finished with 190 strikeouts. In 2024, Samuels struck out 69 batters and walked just 15 for a 4.6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. As a junior in 2023, the righty posted a 7-1 record on the mound with 74 K's.
 
Samuels leaves Montevallo with his name scattered all throughout the record book. His 190 career K's ranks third in UM's NCAA record book while he is also ranked in the top-10 in career wins (15), games started (38) and innings pitched (180). 
 
 

UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO SELECTIONS IN THE MLB FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT
 
YEAR                      NAME                        POSITION           TEAM                           ROUND
 
2024                   Logan Samuels          P                    Atlanta Braves                    8
 
2019                       Tyler Krabbe               C                        Houston Astros               19
 
2016                       Dane Hutcheon         IF                       Minnesota Twins            29
 
2014                      Will Fulmer                IF                       New York Mets               22
 
2007                       J.D. Pruitt                 OF                      Oakland A's                    23
 
2000                       Jeff Segar                 IF                       New York Yankees         23
 
1996                      Bernard Hutchinson OF                Colorado Rockies           22
 
1996                       Mick Fieldbinder        P                        Milwaukee Brewers       35
 
1990                       Rusty Greer             OF                       Texas Rangers              10
 
1989                       Kevin Fowler             P                        Texas Rangers              37
 
1988                       Ronnie Rasp              P                       Chicago Cubs                32
 
1988                       Brian Cofer               IF                       Cleveland Indians         47
 
1988                       Chris Walker             IF                       Philadelphia Phillies      54
 
1987                       Kelvin Shephard       OF                      Montreal Expos             15
 
1982                       David Baley               IF                       Milwaukee Brewers      13
 
1982                       Greg Key                  OF                       Los Angeles Angels      16
 
1981                       Bradley Edlefsen       P                        Atlanta Braves              35
 
1981                       Greg Key                  OF                       Cincinnati Reds             35*
 
*Did not sign and returned to the University of Montevallo for his senior season.