Pelicans Add McGeary’s Power Bat Late in the Season

September 5, 2022 by Sam Weiderhaft

As the Pelicans gear up for their first playoff appearance since 2017, the late-season roster moves have taken place with a handful of games to go. Players who have impressed have received promotions, and the 2022 draft picks are making their way up to full-season baseball.

In the 15th round of this year’s draft, the Chicago Cubs went to a Division II school to grab their selection. 22-year-old Haydn McGeary was selected out of Colorado Mesa after putting up incredible numbers in his four seasons with the Mavericks.

A two-time Division II National Player of the Year by a variety of outlets, McGeary stood out as the catcher and designated hitter for Colorado Mesa from 2019-2022. His 75 career home runs are a Division II record, and he’s coming off back-to-back seasons of hitting .481.

The Glendale, Arizona native made an impact in his very first season with the Mavericks. He hit .347 with 11 home runs through 36 games and helped Colorado Mesa make an appearance in the NCAA Division II championship game.

His 2022 campaign saw him lead the country with 35 home runs with a .481 batting average while driving in 79 runs. Following the season, McGeary committed to play his final year of eligibility at Kentucky before he was drafted.

While playing in the Appalachian League to get ready for the 2023 college baseball season, McGeary was selected on the final day of the draft by the Cubs. He signed with the team for $125,000 shortly after and was sent to Arizona.

Back in his home state, McGeary played just six games in the Arizona Complex League with four hits in 18 at-bats. He was sent to Myrtle Beach on August 25th and made his debut one day later with a single against the Augusta GreenJackets. In just his second game, McGeary went 3-4 with a double against Augusta.

McGeary has split his first few weeks between first base and designated hitter in the Pelicans’ lineup. With their team batting average being the top in the Carolina League over the last two weeks, McGeary and the Pelicans hope to continue their hot streak into the playoffs and capture a fifth Carolina League title.