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2022 MLB draft: Former Virginia Tech star Gavin Cross goes No. 9 overall to the Kansas City Royals

The 2022 MLB draft began on Sunday night with the first round. And this year, it was of particular interest to the Virginia Tech Hokies.

With the No. 9 overall pick, the Kansas City Royals selected former Hokie center fielder Gavin Cross. Cross becomes the first top-10 pick in school history. Pitcher Joe Saunders back in 2002 was previously the highest-drafted player to come out of Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Cross played three seasons at Virginia Tech, where his power improved each season. As a freshman in 2020, Cross hit .369 in 16 games played. In 2021, Cross played in 51 games and hit .