Troy catcher Brooks Bryan was selected in the eighth round of the 2025 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Monday, going to the Kansas City Royals with the No. 248 overall pick.

Bryan, a junior from Opelika, was an all-Sun Belt Conference selection each of the last two seasons for the Trojans. He set a program single-season record with 85 RBIs in 2024 and finished his three-year career with a .931 OPS, 34 home runs and 158 RBIs.

Bryan is Troy’s highest-drafted player since pitcher Levi Thomas went in the fourth round to the San Diego Padres in 2020. His MLB.com draft profile reads in part:

“Bryan is one of the better catchers available in a down backstop crop. He played sparingly as a freshman before breaking out with 18 homers and a school-record 85 RBIs in 2024, then played with the U.S. collegiate national team during the summer. He has posted similar numbers this spring and could go as early as the fourth round. A left-handed hitter, Bryan has at least plus raw power and generates it with strength and an aggressive approach that includes a big leg kick and a pull-and-lift mindset.

“There’s some question as to how much quality contact he’ll make with wood bats against pro pitching because he chases too many fastballs and struggles against velocity and slow stuff. He probably won’t hit for a high average but has 20-homer upside. Though he has a large frame for a catcher and lacks quickness, Bryan should be able to remain behind the plate. His receiving, framing and blocking still require more work, but he has worked hard to improve over the last year. He features solid-to-plus arm strength, but needs to upgrade his throwing accuracy.”