Nonetheless, even if it isn’t so visible to the average fan, the 20-round MLB draft is integral to building and sustaining success for any organization. The two-day, 2025 draft began Sunday night, and the Phillies selected righthanded pitcher Gage Wood from the University of Arkansas in the first round with the 26th overall pick.

Fisher becomes the ninth Memorial graduate to be chosen in the MLB Draft. The only others in program history to be chosen straight from the prep ranks were Don Mattingly (1979) and Mark Wezet (1973). Mattingly played 14 years with the New York Yankees; Wezet pitched in college at Murray State.

Cortese, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound right-hander, appeared in 14 games for Lander as a senior in 2025, striking out 30 in 16.2 innings to go along with with 14 walks and nine earned runs allowed.