​The 2026 MLB Draft rolled on Sunday, and Auburn University saw its first pitcher taken in this portion of the event as Alex Petrovic, the Tigers’ Sunday starter, joined the Mets in the sixth round. Petrovic was selected 181st overall, receiving a slot value of $364,600, signaling the organization’s decision to add Auburn’s left-handed innings eater to its organization depth.
Petrovic becomes the second Auburn baseball player from the 2026 roster to hear his name called in the draft, following Chris Rembert’s selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opening day rounds on Saturday, when Rembert went in the second round. The two selections mark a notable culmination for Auburn’s 2026 class as it transitions into professional baseball.
Across three seasons in Auburn’s program, Petrovic appeared in 31 games before his breakout performance as a redshirt sophomore in 2026. That season, he emerged as a reliable staple within the Tigers’ pitching staff, making 17 starts and serving as the de facto ace of the weekend rotation. He frequently took the mound in Auburn’s series finales, delivering length and consistency that anchored the rotation and gave the team a fighting chance in tight contests.
Petrovic’s 2026 campaign was highlighted by durability and production. He totaled 10 wins and struck out 92 batters across 92 2/3 innings, demonstrating the ability to miss bats and work deep into games. His contributions were pivotal to Auburn’s success in multiple games, including a stretch where he started and earned wins in 10 of Auburn’s 12 victories with him on the mound. Early in the year, the Tigers featured him in a run of five consecutive weekend starts, and he continued to deliver steady performances through SEC play, including a four-game streak that illustrated his value to the rotation.
With a potential professional contract on the horizon—an expectation given his draft position—Petrovic could soon transition from collegiate competition to the pro game. If he signs with the Mets, Auburn’s career ledger for him would close with an 11-2 record over three seasons, a 3.60 ERA, and 134 strikeouts, numbers that reflect his growth and impact as a key member of Auburn’s pitching staff.
As Auburn continues to monitor Petrovic’s status with the Mets, fans and program supporters can reflect on the pitcher’s journey from a developing collegiate arm to a drafted professional, and the broader story of Auburn’s 2026 roster finding a place on a major league organization’s depth chart.
For ongoing Auburn coverage—news, notes, and insights—follow The Auburn Wire on X (Twitter) @TheAuburnWire and like the page on Facebook. You can also keep up with Taylor’s coverage on Twitter @TaylorJones__. This article originally appeared in Auburn Wire with the headline focusing on Auburn RHP Alex Petrovic’s selection by the New York Mets in the MLB draft, a piece crafted to enhance search visibility while highlighting Petrovic’s contributions and draft day significance.