Three HBCU standouts are getting their shot on one of pro baseball’s biggest pre-draft stages.
Jackson State’s Tyree Reed, Southern University’s Kelcey White, and Bethune-Cookman’s Pablo Torres have each earned invitations to the 2026 MLB Draft Combine, set for June 23–26 at Chase Field in Phoenix.
The annual event will feature 335 of the top draft-eligible prospects in the country, giving scouts and front offices a closer look at some of the game’s rising talent.
For Reed, the invite adds another chapter to an already decorated career at Jackson State.
Known for his power at the plate and consistent offensive production, Reed — an All-SWAC selection — has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ lineup. In 2026, he hit a team-high .385 with 69 hits in 179 official at-bats, including hitting .400 in SWAC conference play. He scored 62 runs and knocked in 39 more, while he also collected 23 extra-base hits, including 9 home runs.
Southern’s KJ White brings a different kind of intrigue to the combine. A dynamic presence with versatility, White has built his reputation through athleticism and all-around play.
White finished the season with a .421 batting average, collecting 80 hits while driving in 33 runs and stealing 32 bases. His performance earned him SWAC Hitter of the Year honors and First Team All-SWAC recognition. He also was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top collegiate baseball player.
Bethune-Cookman’s Pablo Torres enters the spotlight as one of the more polished arms among HBCU prospects. The right-hander has been a steady force on the mound for the Wildcats, showing command, durability, and the ability to work deep into games.
Torres earned SWAC Relief Pitcher of the Year honors in 2024 and was selected to the All-SWAC Second Team twice in his career.
