​Southern Miss outfielder Joey Urban heard his name called by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12, marking a milestone in his college career. Urban, who stood as the No. 282 overall pick in the ninth round with a slot value of $202,100, became the first Southern Miss player selected in this year’s draft, highlighting his standout two-season tenure with the Golden Eagles.
The 6-foot, 198-pound Floridian from Jupiter, who transferred to Southern Miss after two seasons at Butler, had already established himself as a respected prospect in college baseball. His 2024 season was highlighted by a first-team All-Big East selection, underlining his potential and versatility before he joined the Golden Eagles program for the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.
In 2026, Urban appeared in 61 games and started all of them, delivering a .320 batting average on 78 hits and driving in 55 runs. He increased his power output that year, boosting his home run total from nine in 2025 to 15, and he drew 38 walks, reflecting more plate discipline. Defensively, Urban was a constant presence in center field, committing zero errors across the season and recording four assists, a testament to his reliable glove and range. His defensive work earned him a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage over two seasons with the Golden Eagles, underscoring his value both at the plate and in the field.
Urban’s offensive season was marked by versatility in the lineup. He frequently batted second, providing speed and contact while also offering middle-of-the-order power when needed. He finished the year strong, contributing 10 RBIs in the final five games and showcasing his ability to elevate his performance down the stretch. This late-season surge helped pitch Southern Miss into favorable position in the Sun Belt Conference standings and earned Urban the league’s Tournament Most Outstanding Player honor, recognizing his clutch hitting and leadership during the conference tournament.
Looking back at Urban’s career with the Golden Eagles, his impact was evident from the outset. In his first season with Southern Miss, he hit .333, amassing 27 RBIs and making a splash with his overall production. The combination of a high batting average, run production, and speed on the bases made him a well-rounded offensive contributor. Across his two seasons in Hattiesburg, Urban accumulated an impressive line that included a .325 career batting average, 136 hits, 24 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 59 walks, along with eight stolen bases. His consistent performance complemented his defensive reliability in center field, which became a cornerstone of his value to the team.
Urban’s journey before Southern Miss, including his time at Butler where he earned first-team All-Big East honors in 2024, speaks to his long-standing potential and readiness for professional competition. The Blue Jays’ selection of Urban reflects their belief in his ability to translate college success into a professional trajectory, particularly given his combination of contact ability, power development, and defensive prowess in center field.
For observers and fans following Southern Miss baseball, Urban’s draft selection represents a fitting culmination of his college trajectory, as well as a signal of the program’s ongoing ability to develop and showcase top-tier talents to MLB organizations. His achievement stands as a point of pride for the Golden Eagles and a reminder of the impact that dedicated players can have on both their college teams and professional aspirations.
Davis Wilson covers Southern Miss athletics and Hattiesburg news for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at DWilson@hattiesb.gannett.com or find him on X at @Davis_Wilson. This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Southern Miss outfielder Joey Urban picked by Toronto Blue Jays in 2026 MLB Draft.