The MLB All-Star festivities are underway in Atlanta this weekend – featuring up-and-comers, as well as the game’s cemented stars. The 2025 MLB Draft, which begins Sunday, will also mark the beginning of the pro ball journey for some.

Here is a starting nine of former Cincinnati Bearcats who have been drafted (or will be) by a major league baseball team.

It's Jeff Kent's son! The 2000 NL MVP, five-time All-Star and perennial Silver Slugger was a household name during his 17 seasons in Major League Baseball. After playing college ball at Texas A&M, Kaeden will try to follow in his father's footsteps as best as he can.

Josue De Paula, the Los Angeles Dodgers' top prospect, blasted a three-run home run in the MLB Futures Game Saturday in Atlanta, leading the National League to a 4-2 victory over the American League,

The Washington Nationals have the first pick and notably fired club president Mike Rizzo just a week before the draft. The Angels follow with the Mariners picking third. The Yankees, Dodgers and Mets don't have a first-round pick this year due to exceeding their CBT threshold in 2024.

The starting pitchers for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game are set. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes will open the game on the mound for the National League, while Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal will start for the American League. Both Skenes and Skubal are making their second consecutive All-Star appearances.

The St. Louis Cardinals have pitching depth in the minor leagues, but are in a playoff race and could acquire reinforcements for this season and beyond.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/vanderbilt as Tommy O'Rourke Leaves Cape Cod League as MLB Draft Looms; The Anchor. With less than a week until the MLB Draft and his decision up in the air, Vanderbilt reliever Tommy O’Rourke has left the Cape Cod League and will now focus on his next step.

Philadelphia Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez is 7-2 with a 2.59 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 18 starts, but that wasn't good enough to make the National League All-Star team.