First-round pick of the MLB Draft by the Royals Virginia Tech OF Gavin Cross.

 

Kansas City, Missouri — A few fresh rookies are joining the Kansas City Royals system.

Gavin Cross, an outfielder for Virginia Tech, was selected by the Royals with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Cross primarily played middle discipline in Blacksburg and is a left-handed fielder and batter. He has corner outfielder potential.

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The Bristol, Tennessee native batted.369 over the COVID-shortened 2020 span in 16 video games. Cross returned a year later and quickly established himself as a player to watch, posting a 1.035 OPS to go along with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs.

With a strong summer on the 2021 U.S. Collegiate National Team and leading a loaded roster in batting average, Cross shot up draught boards (.467). With four home runs, twelve RBIs, and three stolen bases, he also tied for the staff lead.

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The Hokies' success this past season and advancement to their first NCAA Super Regional in programme history were both aided by the 6'3" 210-pounder. He was also 12-for-12 on stolen foundation tries.

Cross ends up being the only Hokie hitter ever selected in the first round by the Dodgers, who selected Franklin Stubbs 19th overall in 1982, and the highest Draft selection in Virginia Tech history.