​Shawn Sullivan is among five former Walsh Jesuit High School baseball players drawing attention from Major League teams as the 2026 MLB Draft approaches. The two-day event unfolds July 11-12, with the first four rounds on Saturday and the remaining 16 rounds on Sunday. Here’s a profile of Sullivan, a 2026 graduate whose pitching helped Walsh Jesuit finish as the Division II state runner-up this past season.
Where does Sullivan stand in the draft? Per Perfect Game, Sullivan is projected to be selected with the 227th pick. Which organization might choose him? If that projection holds, Sullivan would be the fourth pick of the seventh round, selected by the Minnesota Twins. What is his college plan? Sullivan is set to begin his freshman season at the University of Tennessee.
A look at Sullivan’s numbers: The right-handed pitcher starred for Walsh Jesuit this season, leading the team to a Division II runner-up finish with a 3-1 record, a 0.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings pitched. Over four seasons with the Warriors, he posted a 13-5 record, a 1.30 ERA and 256 strikeouts in 145 innings. He earned first-team All-Ohio honors in 2025 and second-team honors in 2026.
What Walsh Jesuit manager Joe Bowers had to say about Sullivan: “It’s his demeanor and work ethic to be the best pitcher he can be. It’s impressive at that age. He’s blessed with a body that allows him to throw 97 mph. His overall maturity level for someone in his spot is incredible.”
A photo caption note from the season shows Walsh Jesuit starting pitcher Shawn Sullivan (number 18) delivering a pitch in a game against CVCA on April 9, 2026.
Walsh Jesuit’s legacy of sending players into the MLB draft is notable. The program’s record for the most former players drafted in a single year happened in 2010 when 50 rounds were held and three Walsh standouts were selected: Johnny Fasola (36th round, Dodgers), Greg Greve (45th round, Giants), and Tyler Skulina (46th round, Athletics). As of now, 12 Walsh Jesuit alumni have gone on to play at the minor league level or higher, including current major leaguers and players who pursued professional baseball.
Other Walsh alumni who reached the pro ranks include LHP Chad Rodgers (affiliated with the Braves from 2006-2012 and later the Twins in 2013), LHP David Starn (Braves, 2012-14), and versatile performer Matt Bok (LF/C/1B; Dodgers, 2002-03). The list also features others who reached the minor leagues and beyond, highlighting Walsh Jesuit’s ongoing impact on professional baseball pathways.
For readers seeking more information, the Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be reached at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com. This article originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal under the headline: 2026 MLB Draft prospect Shawn Sullivan.