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 .