​Two more Alabama Crimson Tide baseball players from the program’s latest College World Series squad heard their names called in the 2026 MLB Draft. Pitchers Tyler Fay and Zane Adams were selected in the sixth round on the second day of the draft, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, July 12. Fay went to the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 169th overall pick, while Adams was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles at No. 171 overall. The selections mark another milestone for Alabama’s recent draft class as the program continues to develop professional-caliber talent.
Fay, a right-handed pitcher, made a lasting impact this season with a historic performance that helped boost Alabama’s postseason run. Notably, he pitched a no-hitter against Florida in March, an achievement that underscored his potential and helped elevate his draft stock. MLB.com’s value estimates place Fay’s pick at approximately $403,500, reflecting the significant upside the Pirates see in the former walk-on who evolved into a staff ace during his time in Tuscaloosa. Over his collegiate career, Fay posted a 13-9 record, and in his junior year he delivered a strong showing on the mound with a 4.58 ERA, contributing to Alabama’s success as they navigated a demanding schedule and tournament play.
Adams, Alabama’s most experienced veteran in the pitching rotation, was selected two slots after Fay by the Orioles. The left-hander carried a 4.54 ERA in his third and final season with the Crimson Tide, finishing with an overall career mark of 19-14. Adams’ durability and veteran presence were pivotal for Alabama during a year that emphasized rebuilding the pitching staff while maintaining competitive performance against top collegiate opponents. MLB.com lists his selected-pick value at about $396,300, underscoring the Orioles’ interest in left-handed depth and veteran leadership at the minor league or development level.
With both Fay and Adams moving on to professional baseball, Alabama is left to rely on a promising group of pitchers to carry the team forward. Freshman left-hander Myles Upchurch is highlighted as a potential anchor for the Tide’s pitching staff as the program rebuilds. Upchurch’s development could help Alabama sustain its competitive trajectory, especially given the departure of two mature arms. The youngster’s performance in the coming seasons will be closely watched by Crimson Tide fans and scouts alike as the program looks to maintain its position among college baseball’s elite.
This story originates from coverage by The Tuscaloosa News, where Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics. For direct inquiries, Smarr can be reached at esmarr@usatodayco.com. The original reporting highlighted the two Alabama pitchers who earned spots in the 2026 MLB Draft, signaling continued success for Alabama baseball’s pipeline to professional baseball and the program’s ongoing rebuild and competitiveness at the college level. Alabama’s 2026 draft results are part of a broader narrative about the Crimson Tide’s ability to develop talent and produce professional-ready arms, a hallmark of coach-led programs that prioritize player development, performance in high-stakes games, and the capacity to translate collegiate success into opportunities at the next level.