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Pregent & Amaral 2023 Draft

Baseball

Stetson Baseball Stars Pregent and Amaral Drafted into MLB Spotlight

DELAND, Fla. - Stetson Athletics is excited to announce the success of two players, Christian Pregent and Austin Amaral, who were selected in the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. Pregent, a catcher and esteemed four-year team captain, was selected by the New York Mets in the 10th round as the 306th overall pick. Amaral, a pitcher, joined the Washington Nationals as the 465th overall pick in the 16th round. They are the first players to be drafted out of Stetson University since pitchers Mitchell Senger and Robbie Peto in 2019.

"I couldn't be more thrilled for Christian and Austin," exclaimed Stetson's head coach, Steve Trimper. "Those two are not only exceptional talents on the baseball field, but they also exceled in the classroom and made a positive impact within our community."

Pregent, a Daytona Beach native, was one of the Hatters' top players on the diamond last season and was instrumental in helping Stetson achieve a 35-23 record, their winningest season since racking up 48 wins in 2018.

Pregent achieved a .315 batting average with 56 hits, including 12 home runs, out of 178 plate appearances. Leading the team with 46 RBIs and scoring 35 runs, Pregent concluded the season on a high note by going 3-4 in a 12-3 victory over #8 Austin Peay in the ASUN Championship. In that game, he hit a home run and contributed four RBIs and three runs.

Throughout his career, Pregent has consistently displayed exceptional defensive skills, committing only four errors in his 150-game career, including a flawless performance in 2022. Pregent's defensive prowess was further evident as he threw out 15 of 47 runners attempting to steal.

Throughout the 2022 season, he played in 44 games, starting 40 as the team's primary catcher. Pregent delivered multiple-hit and multiple-RBI performances, highlighting his offensive versatility. He hit five home runs during the season, including notable performances against North Florida, Kennesaw State, and Miami. Additionally, Pregent's leadership qualities were recognized as he served as team captain for all four years, and he was honored with a spot on the ASUN Academic Honor Roll.

Prior reaching stardom at Stetson, Pregent made a strong impression during his summers in the Florida Collegiate League. In 2019, he played for the DeLand Suns, exhibiting his skills both as a catcher and a batter. Pregent's performance caught attention as he earned recognition on the league's Prospect Team. In the shortened 2020 season, he became the first freshman in Stetson's history to be named captain and made a significant impact both defensively and offensively.

" Without a doubt, he's an elite force on the defensive end, and he has proved that consistently," said Trimper. "The buzz about his draft potential started swirling way back in his junior year and he's deserved every bit of that recognition. Day in and day out, he pours his heart into the game."

Six rounds after Pregent was taken off the board, Amaral, a native of Debary, Fl, was drafted by the Washington Nationals. 

The right-handed pitcher made a significant impact during his collegiate career. His 3.30 ERA ranked among the top five in the ASUN, while his 82 strikeouts placed him 12th in the conference. Amaral's dominance on the mound was further evident as he held opponents to a team-best .220 batting average. Notably, he recorded a complete game shutout against Mount Saint Mary's, allowing only two hits while striking out nine. These remarkable performances earned Amaral the ASUN Pitcher of the Week recognition and a well-deserved spot on the All-ASUN Second Team.

Amaral's excellence carried over from the 2022 season, with a team-best 3.17 ERA over 20 appearances. He showcased his versatility with wins as both a starter and in relief, including a memorable 6.0 shutout innings in his first collegiate start. Amaral's pitching skills and his ability to limit opponents to a .211 batting average contributed to his success.

"When he takes the mound, you better believe he's there to compete. He's a fierce competitor, a true athlete," stated Trimper. "And off the field, he's the kind of teammate you want in your dugout."

During the summer of 2021, Amaral represented the North Shore Navigators in the Northeast Collegiate League, playing a crucial role in their North Division title win. His impressive 2.97 ERA over 36.1 innings further solidified his reputation as a talented pitcher.

Amaral's impact extended beyond the field, earning recognition on the ASUN Academic Honor Roll for his dedication to academics.

"They are outstanding representatives who showcase the very best of what we stand for, not just of our baseball program, but our entire university," Coach Trimper asserted with pride. "We couldn't ask for better examples. Their talent speaks for itself, but it's their character and work ethic that truly set them apart."

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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Players Mentioned

Austin Amaral

#33 Austin Amaral

RHP
6' 0"
Junior
R/R
Christian Pregent

#34 Christian Pregent

C
6' 3"
Redshirt Junior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Austin Amaral

#33 Austin Amaral

6' 0"
Junior
R/R
RHP
Christian Pregent

#34 Christian Pregent

6' 3"
Redshirt Junior
R/R
C