​HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — A University of Evansville Purple Ace has earned a spot in the MLB Draft. Senior pitcher Max Hansmann was taken by the Washington Nationals in the eighth round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft on Sunday afternoon, marking the first Purple Ace to be selected in the MLB Draft since 2022. This milestone adds another chapter to Evansville’s growing history of producing professional-level talent.
Hansmann was chosen as the 226th overall pick, representing the highest-drafted Ace since Kyle Freeland went eighth overall in 2014 and the 10th highest selection in Evansville baseball history. His selection also extends Evansville’s presence in the draft, as he becomes the 47th draft pick in program history and the fourth Evansville player to be drafted by the Nationals organization. He joins a list of notable Evansville alumni who have worn the Nationals uniform, including Jamey Carroll, Kai Tuomi, and Sam Johns, who previously represented Evansville in the professional ranks under the Washington banner.
According to official university statistics, Hansmann already leaves a lasting mark on Evansville’s record books. He ranks seventh in program history in appearances with 83, showcasing his durability and reliability on the mound over the course of his Purple Aces tenure. Additionally, he sits 15th in program history with 217 career strikeouts, underscoring his ability to overpower hitters and strategically navigate lineups at high levels of competition. His proficiency on the mound has been a defining feature of his time in Evansville, contributing to the team’s success and earning him a place among the program’s most trusted arms.
This draft moment not only highlights Hansmann’s personal achievement but also reflects the continued strength of Evansville’s baseball program in developing professional-ready talent. Throughout his senior season, he demonstrated consistency, resilience, and a level of command that caught the eye of major league scouts, ultimately leading to his selection by the Nationals in a round that many analysts view as a strategic depth addition for the franchise.
As Hansmann embarks on the next phase of his baseball career, Evansville fans can take pride in watching one of their own transition from college standout to a professional athlete. The development path from the Purple Aces to the professional ranks is a testament to the program’s coaching staff, the support system around the team, and Hansmann’s own work ethic and perseverance.
For the latest updates on Hansmann’s journey, alongside news, weather, sports, and streaming video from Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW), stay tuned to the station’s coverage and website. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.