​TCU outfielder Chase Brunson, a three-time All-Big 12 honoree with the Horned Frogs, has been selected by the Washington Nationals with the No. 42 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Brunson’s standout performance in his junior season earned him an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention as he slashed .304/.462/.556, belted 10 home runs and 11 doubles, drove in 51 runs, and scored 37 times across 51 starts. Across his entire TCU career, he started 151 games, contributing consistently at the plate and in the outfield.
Brunson made an immediate impact as a freshman, delivering a productive .291/.390/.426 batting line with eight doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBIs over 42 starts. He split time primarily between center field and right field, eventually establishing himself as a core defender in center for the Horned Frogs. His defense and versatility helped him earn a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team two seasons ago, highlighting his all-around value in the program’s outfield.
Entering his sophomore year, Brunson produced perhaps the most impressive season of his college career, posting a torrid .317/.395/.554 line with 13 doubles and 12 home runs, along with 46 RBIs and 56 runs scored over 58 starts. That stellar performance earned him Second-Team All-Big 12 recognition, underscoring his development into one of the league’s top outfield talents. Brunson’s combination of on-base skills, power, and speed made him a standout hitter and a valuable asset on the defensive end.
Throughout his TCU tenure, Brunson demonstrated his athleticism and consistency as a center fielder, delivering strong range and reliable glove work while contributing across the lineup. His ability to get on base at a high clip, paired with notable slugging percentages, helped him become a feared presence in the Horned Frogs’ lineup. The Washington Nationals’ selection of Brunson at No. 42 in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft reflects his progression from a productive freshman to a premier college hitter and defender, ready to take the next step in professional baseball.
For fans and analysts following the draft, Brunson’s track record in high-level competition—three consecutive All-Big 12 honors, two seasons of standout production, and demonstrated versatility in the outfield—positions him as a prospect with potential both for immediate impact and long-term upside. As he transitions from college to professional baseball, Brunson will look to translate his strong on-base skills, power, and speed into continued success at higher levels of play, with the Nationals hoping he becomes a central piece of their outfield depth in the years to come.