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N.C. State’s season didn’t go as planned, but one of its top players will extend his baseball career.
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Ty Head was selected by the Baltimore Orioles as the No. 46th overall pick in second round of the 2026 MLB Draft, becoming the program’s first draft pick this season. His pick comes with a $2.18 million signing bonus.
The outfielder from Winter Garden, Florida, spent two years with the N.C. State program, where he compiled a .283 batting average, .481 slugging percentage, 104 hits, 19 doubles and 18 home runs. Head drove in 81 runs and reached base on balls 105 times. Head’s 14 home runs this season led the team.
Head also provides solid base running — he was caught stealing three times on 35 attempts — and impeccable fielding. As a defender, Head committed one error in two seasons, recording a .996 fielding percentage.
The sophomore was the only ACC player to hit at least 10 home runs and steal 20 or more bases in the regular season.
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Coming out of high school, Head was one of the best all-around players in the 2024 class but ultimately decided to attend N.C. State. The lefty from Florida became an immediate starter for the Wolfpack, and his defensive work made him a key asset to the program.
Head earned All-ACC Third Team honors in 2026 and won the Rawlings Gold Glove award at center field.
A year ago, Head was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team for his contributions. He started every game at center field during his two-year Wolfpack career.
Previously, Head played with the USA Baseball 16U/17U National Team Development Program.
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