Arizona Diamondbacks select Texas first baseman Ivan Melendez in 2022 MLB Draft

One of the best hitters in recent college baseball history has been taken off the board by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Texas Longhorns first basemen and slugger Ivan Melendez was selected by the NL West franchise with the No. 43 overall pick.

Melendez had the opportunity to start his professional career last year, with the Miami Marlins picking him in the 16th round. Instead, he decided to come back to Austin and play another season with the Longhorns. The move ultimately paid off, moving up 14 rounds in this year’s draft.

Texas was full of good hitters this season but none came up clutch in bigger moments than Melendez. He set the program’s single-season record for home runs with 32 and added 94 RBIs. His efforts were good enough to win him the Golden Spikes Award, given out to the best amateur player in baseball.

Melendez was smashing more than just records inside the Texas books. With his 32 HRs, he passed current Colorado Rockies left fielder Kris Bryant for the most home runs in the BBCOR era. Bryant had the top spot at 31 in 2013 while making a run with San Diego in the NCAA Tournament. Now, the two could potentially face off against one another in what would be a divisional matchup.

Now, one of the top college hitters will attempt to hit the ground running in professional baseball. Melendez is only 22 years old but is thought to have more of a straight shot into the majors due to his experienced hitting. However, heading into the season, Arizona had the No. 4 farm system in baseball. Meaning — Ivan Melendez will have some top talent to roll through if he wants to play in MLB.

The only thing left in question surrounding his collegiate career is whether or not his No. 17 will be retired, as Texas fans have pleaded for. Until then, he will have to pack all of his home runs and take them to Arizona.