OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Yet another CF pitcher has been selected in the annual MLB draft.
Lance Hartley, a 6’5″ right-handed pitcher for the College of Central Florida Patriots who played in the team’s 2025 and 2026 seasons, was chosen by the Kansas City Royals in the 12th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. He was the 359th overall pick of the draft.
During the 2026 Pats season, Hartley made four starts in five appearances, earning a 2-0 record with a 3.38 ERA (Earned Run Average), 22 strikeouts over 16 innings and a .88 WHIP (Walks and Hits Per Inning).
Before transferring to CF, Hartley–a native of Cameron, West Virginia–played for WVU Potomac State. He’s a power pitcher with a mean fastball, slider, curveball and changeup.
Hartley is reportedly recovering from a Tommy John surgery, which is a repair or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), but is expected to start pitching in the Royals’ farm system this year.
He’s not the first CF pitcher to be selected in the MLB draft; Cory Geinzer and Joey Wimpelberg were both drafted last year.