The Cleveland Guardians selected Miami right-handed pitcher Ryan Bilka with the No. 303 overall pick in the 10th round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday. Miami announced Bilka's selection after Daniel Cuvet went to the Washington Nationals in the fifth round and Alex Sosa went to the Athletics in the sixth.
Bilka's path to the draft took him through three programs and multiple roles. He began his college career at Wagner in 2023, where he emerged as a useful freshman reliever. Bilka appeared in 20 games, went 4-2 with two saves and a 4.57 ERA over 41.1 innings. He was twice named NEC Rookie of the Week and finished the regular season by allowing one run over his final seven appearances.
Miami ➡️ Cleveland
— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) July 12, 2026
In the tenth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, the @CleGuardians select Ryan Bilka! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/EiRlcrn51d
Guardians select Miami reliever Ryan Bilka in 10th round of MLB Draft
His role expanded as a sophomore in 2024. Wagner moved Bilka into the rotation in March, and he became the Seahawks' most reliable starter. He led Wagner starters with a 3.19 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and a .222 opponent batting average while recording a team-high 65 strikeouts. He earned second-team All-NEC honors and posted a 2.24 ERA in conference play.
Bilka transferred to Richmond for the 2025 season and delivered the best year of his college career. He went 6-2 with a 2.18 ERA, three saves and a 0.90 WHIP across 18 appearances. He threw 62 innings, struck out 57 batters, walked only 13 and held opposing hitters to a .193 batting average. That season earned him national preseason recognition before he arrived at Miami, including NCBWA preseason third-team All-America honors and a spot on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year preseason watch list.
At Miami, Bilka became a high-usage bullpen option for J.D. Arteaga's staff. He made 30 appearances for the Hurricanes in 2026, going 2-1 with four saves and a 5.10 ERA over 30 innings while striking out 36.
Miami finished the draft with four selections, with Bilka followed by left-hander Rob Evans in the 12th round.
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