NEWS

Jacob Friend at bat in one of the games against Penn State.

Davidson catcher Jacob Friend was selected by the Cincinnati Reds Monday afternoon on the second day of the 2024 Major League Baseball Player Draft.

Friend, of Arlington, Va., was picked in the sixth round at pick No. 179, and his selection marks the fourth Wildcat draft pick in the last three seasons, also including pitcher Nolan DeVos (2022), catcher Michael Carico (2023) and outfielder Ryan Wilson (2023).

Friend just completed his junior season with the Wildcats after playing in 127 career games and hitting .275 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs.

“Jacob has been a consistent player for three years,” said coach Rucker Taylor. “His feel for the zone and athleticism should help him to continue to develop. He’s grown a lot over his time at Davidson, but I believe his best baseball is still in front of him. Very happy for him and his future.”

In 2024, Friend hit .274 with a 1.000 OPS, seven doubles, 10 home runs and 29 RBIs. He ranked second in the A-10 with 45 walks and tied for fifth with a .470 on-base percentage. Friend posted 10 multi-RBI games and 10 multi-hit games, including a four-hit performance against Brown.

Among his career highlights, Friend was an A-10 Second Team pick in 2023 and an A-10 All-Tournament selection in 2022.

While primarily playing behind the plate, Friend showed his versatility by manning multiple outfield positions, as needed.

Other Recent Davidson Draftees
2023: Michael Carico (Chicago Cubs, 5th Rd., Pick No. 149)
2023: Ryan Wilson (San Diego Padres, 9th Rd., Pick No. 281)
2022: Nolan DeVos (Houston Astros, 5th Rd., Pick No. 163)
2017: Will Robertson (Baltimore Orioles, 30th Rd., Pick No. 908)
2016: Clark Beeker (Minnesota Twins, 33rd Rd., Pick No. 993)