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The Florida State bullpen just saw its first pitcher taken in the 2026 Major League Draft on Sunday, as reliever Cole Stokes was selected in the 12th round (pick 353) by the Tampa Bay Rays.
At 6-foot-6, 229 pounds, Stokes is an intimidating presence on the mound. Stokes appeared in 18 games and posted a 1-2 record with a 5.60 ERA. He struck out 25 and walked 20 batters in 17.2 innings pitched. Stokes allowed a paltry .164 batting average to opposing hitters, and his WHIP was 1.70.
In the victory over Bethune-Cookman, Stokes contributed to the combined no-hitter by pitching two innings of hitless ball, recording two strikeouts and issuing one walk. Against in-state rival Florida, Stokes registered a career-high four strikeouts.
Before his stint with Florida State, Stokes played two seasons with the Oregon Ducks. During his time with the Ducks, he recorded 46 strikeouts and 26 walks in 28 innings pitched.
The standout from California was ranked as the No. 5 right-hander in the state and the No. 19 RHP nationally by Perfect Game.
Stokes is the third consecutive Florida State pitcher to come off the board on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Trey Beard and Bryson Moore were selected by the Marlins and Pirates, respectively. Ace starter Wes Mendes was selected in the second round on Saturday by the Astros.
This run on Seminoles pitching prospects is a testament to their talent and development under Florida State pitching coach Micah Posey. The Seminoles posted a team ERA of 3.97, tops in the ACC. In addition, they allowed an opponent’s batting average of just .222.
Behind that strong pitching staff, Florida State posted a 40-19 record, 19-11 in the ACC. The Seminoles earned the 10th national seed in the NCAA tournament and hosted a regional for the 38th time in program history. However, their post-season journey was a short one, as the Seminoles were eliminated from the Tallahassee regional by St. John’s.
Stokes is the sixth Seminole to be drafted so far. The school record for draft picks is 11, set in 2025. He is the third Florida State player in school history to be drafted by Tampa Bay, and the first in a decade.
With eight more rounds to go, we will see if any more Florida State players hear their names called to continue their baseball careers at the Major League level.
How is Stokes’s new team doing this season? The Rays are currently in first place in the AL East with a record of 56-37.
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At 6-foot-6, 229 pounds, Stokes is an intimidating presence on the mound. Stokes appeared in 18 games and posted a 1-2 record with a 5.60 ERA. He struck out 25 and walked 20 batters in 17.2 innings pitched. Stokes allowed a paltry .164 batting average to opposing hitters, and his WHIP was 1.70.
In the victory over Bethune-Cookman, Stokes contributed to the combined no-hitter by pitching two innings of hitless ball, recording two strikeouts and issuing one walk. Against in-state rival Florida, Stokes registered a career-high four strikeouts.
Before his stint with Florida State, Stokes played two seasons with the Oregon Ducks. During his time with the Ducks, he recorded 46 strikeouts and 26 walks in 28 innings pitched.
The standout from California was ranked as the No. 5 right-hander in the state and the No. 19 RHP nationally by Perfect Game.
Stokes is the third consecutive Florida State pitcher to come off the board on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Trey Beard and Bryson Moore were selected by the Marlins and Pirates, respectively. Ace starter Wes Mendes was selected in the second round on Saturday by the Astros.
This run on Seminoles pitching prospects is a testament to their talent and development under Florida State pitching coach Micah Posey. The Seminoles posted a team ERA of 3.97, tops in the ACC. In addition, they allowed an opponent’s batting average of just .222.
Behind that strong pitching staff, Florida State posted a 40-19 record, 19-11 in the ACC. The Seminoles earned the 10th national seed in the NCAA tournament and hosted a regional for the 38th time in program history. However, their post-season journey was a short one, as the Seminoles were eliminated from the Tallahassee regional by St. John’s.
Stokes is the sixth Seminole to be drafted so far. The school record for draft picks is 11, set in 2025. He is the third Florida State player in school history to be drafted by Tampa Bay, and the first in a decade.
With eight more rounds to go, we will see if any more Florida State players hear their names called to continue their baseball careers at the Major League level.
How is Stokes’s new team doing this season? The Rays are currently in first place in the AL East with a record of 56-37.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
