​Garrett Wright’s next stop on his baseball journey appears to be the professional ranks after the Jackson High School product was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth round of the MLB draft held in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 12. Wright was the sixth pick of Round 8 and the 229th overall selection in a draft that showcased a breadth of collegiate talent. MLB.com had Wright ranked as the 190th prospect entering the draft, reflecting three strong seasons of college baseball that included two years at Bowling Green in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) before transferring to the University of Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The 2023 Jackson High School graduate, who turned 21 on July 5, has become one of Stark County’s most notable MLB draft stories, marking the first local product from the county to be drafted since Alliance native Gavin Bruni was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 17th round of the 2024 draft.
During his time at Bowling Green, Wright earned the MAC Freshman of the Year honor in 2024 and followed with the MAC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2025. He led the MAC in hitting in 2025 with an impressive .406 batting average, demonstrating both power and contact ability. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 193 pounds, Wright is a catcher by trade but has the athleticism to handle the outfield if required, a versatility that could serve him well at the next level.
A photo from his freshman year shows Wright as a former Jackson High School standout holding a sign that asks what he wants to be when he grows up, a nod to the long journey from local youth baseball to elite collegiate competition. Wright continued to shine at Tennessee, providing a glimpse of what he could offer pro teams if selected in the draft. He transferred to Tennessee for the 2026 season and quickly found his footing, becoming a cornerstone for the Volunteers. He led Tennessee with a .348 batting average and an OPS of 1.033 as the team posted a 38-22 record and advanced to a regional round.
Wright, a right-handed hitter who eventually batted leadoff for the Volunteers, registered 17 doubles, a triple, and nine home runs. He also contributed 41 runs and 30 RBIs while committing only one error in 179 defensive chances. The 6-foot, 193-pound product of Jackson High School also displayed notable versatility in the field, characteristics that could translate well to professional assignments. With one year of eligibility remaining at Tennessee, Wright publicly indicated his intention to turn professional if drafted. The deadline for draftees to sign with their teams is July 27, and MLB.com estimated Wright’s draft slot value at approximately $249,300.
As Wright begins his professional career, the choice now lies with him and the Angels regarding whether to sign and move forward in professional baseball, or to explore other options. The draft’s timing and the signing deadline add an extra layer of anticipation for both Wright and the fans who have followed his climb from Stark County high school ball to the cusp of the majors. Reach Josh Weir at josh.weir@cantonrep.com for more on Wright’s draft journey and what this selection means for the local baseball community. The story of Garrett Wright’s journey was first published by The Repository and reflects the broader arc of a standout talent rising from high school stardom in Canton to the doorstep of a professional career with the Los Angeles Angels.