ATLANTA, Ga. – With the 73rd overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates have selected Fresno State third baseman and Valley native Murf Gray.
He becomes the 10th Diamond 'Dog to be drafted by the Pirates and the first since 2017. As the 73rd pick, Gray is the highest draft selection for the Bulldogs since 2019.
Gray spent three seasons with the Diamond 'Dogs, accumulating an extensive list of accolades in that time. He was named the 2025 Co-Tony Gwynn Player of the Year and became the first Bulldog to earn both conference Freshman of the Year honors (2023) and Player of the Year honors (2025).
The Madera native was also selected as a Pre-Season All-America by Perfect Game USA before the 2025 season.
In his three seasons as the Bulldogs' starting third baseman, he hit 36 home runs, putting him in 7th place on Fresno State's all-time home run list. He is also in the top 10 for career RBIs and doubles.
Gray was named the 2025 Mountain West Championship MVP and is the first Bulldog to earn a conference tournament MVP honor in back-to-back seasons. He was also the first player in MW history to earn the award more than once.
FRESNO STATE ATHLETES DRAFTED BY THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES:
1988 – Steve Buckholz, RHP, 5th round
2006 – Kent Sakamoto, 1B, 12th round
2008 – Tanner Scheppers, RHP, 2nd round
2008 – Justin Wilson, LHP, 5th round
2009 – Tanner Scheppers, RHP, 2nd round
2011 – Josh Poytress, LHP, 18th round
2012 – Thomas Harlan, LHP, 13th round
2014 – Jordan Luplow, OF, 3rd round
2017 – Jessee Medrano, INF, 31st round
2025 – Murf Gray, INF, Competitive Balance Round B