​Most high school baseball players never make it to college ball, and those that do probably don’t make it to MLB.With thousands upon thousands of prospects playing the sport nicknamed “America’s pastime,” spots in the highest league are obviously very exclusive, and only the best of the best are able to find a place on an MLB roster.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite the exclusivity, the Volusia-Flagler area has seven former high school and college baseball players that have played in 2026, including three prior All-Stars.Here’s a look at how each of their campaigns has gone before the regular season resumes after the All-Star break.Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Loan Depot Park in Miami, Florida.The list of active local MLB talent can only start with DeLand native, Stetson alumnus and Rangers starter Jacob deGrom.The five-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner has started 18 games for Texas this season for a total of 100⅔ innings. deGrom’s 3.49 ERA and 122 strikeouts lead all Rangers starters, helping the team to a 49-47 record and current first-place standing in the American League West. deGrom is 7-5 this season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis ERA is the second-highest of his career, a testament to the success he’s had since being promoted to the majors in 2014.Chicago White Sox left fielder Austin Hays (21) singles on a ground ball to Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) during the fourth inning of the Opening Day game on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.deGrom isn’t the only active All-Star from Volusia County. Daytona Beach native and Spruce Creek High School graduate Austin Hays was honored with the Orioles in 2023.Since then, Hays has played with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, Cincinnati Reds in 2025 and joined the White Sox for the 2026 season on a one-year deal.Injuries have unfortunately derailed the outfielder’s inaugural season in the Windy City, having last played on May 1 due to a calf strain. Continued soreness has kept him out of the lineup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHays has appeared in 12 games with a .233 batting average, .576 OPS, seven RBIs and a home run.Logan Gilbert was the first of three eventual rotation mainstays drafted by the Seattle Mariners from 2018 to 2020.Gilbert played for Stetson from 2016-18 before he was selected 14th overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. After a few years in the minors, he made his big-league debut in 2021 against the Cleveland Indians.Since then, the right-hander has started 165 games for the Mariners and was an All-Star in 2024.Gilbert’s started 19 games in 2026, and his 3.32 ERA is the 19th-lowest in MLB. His 114 innings lead Seattle, and he’s turned them into 119 strikeouts, 24 walks and a 7-6 record.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNew York Mets relief pitcher Luke Weaver (30) reacts during t