TEMECULA – The 2024 MLB Draft kicked off with much excitement on Sunday evening at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of the All-Star Game festivities hosted by the Rangers. The opening night saw the first two rounds plus supplemental rounds, totaling 74 picks. Notably, this included the drafting of Murrieta’s Braylon Doughty (Pick No. 36; Cleveland Guardians). By Monday, July 15, it was Temecula’s own Woody Hadeen who was selected in the sixth round by the Detroit Tigers with pick number 176.
Ryan “Woody” Hadeen, a standout shortstop from UC Irvine, was ranked No. 132 on the pre-draft watch list heading into the combine two weeks ago. Despite a slight shift in his rankings, Hadeen’s talent and determination were evident throughout the season. He recently graduated from UC Irvine, where he had a historic season, earning a spot on the All-Big West First Team. Hadeen also broke the UCI single-season records with 76 runs scored and 58 walks, leading the conference in runs scored during Big West play.
Originally from Colorado, Hadeen moved to Temecula in 2009 and graduated from Temecula Valley High School in 2020. Along the way the TYB Pony fields were home to Woody, who went on to enjoy time with local travel ball teams that prepared him for his high school competition.
Described in his MLB Draft preview as a switch-hitting shortstop, Hadeen is known for his high contact rates and speed. He’s a solid defender with good hands and instincts at shortstop. While there are concerns about his offensive impact at the professional level, his grinder mentality and strong makeup give him a good chance to succeed in pro baseball. With the Tigers, Hadeen’s Draft Slot Value is currently in the realm of $350K.
“It’s been a wild ride, full of emotions, today especially,” says Scott Hadeen, Woody’s father. Temecula Valley High School has a rich history of producing MLB talent, and this year is no exception. Notable MLB alumni include Reed Johnson, Brooks Pounders, and Steve Smyth. Johnson had a 12-year career in the big leagues (2003-2015), Pounders played three seasons (2016-2019), and Smyth played in the 2002 season.
Recent Golden Bear names that have been drafted include Adler Cecil, drafted by the Padres in 2023 in the 19th round out of TVHS, Cole Urman, drafted by the Orioles in 2023 in the 16th round out of Cal State Fullerton, Christopher Paciolla, drafted by the Cubs in 2022 in the third round out of TVHS, and Connor Cannon, drafted by the Giants in 2019 in the 17th round out of UC Riverside. Cecil, Urman, and Paciolla are currently all playing in the lower levels of the MiLB.
Other notable draftees include Brandon Koch (2014, BAL), Brenden Kalfus (2013, TOR), Brian Sharp (2011, PIT), Paul Smyth (2006, BOS), Melvin Blackmon (2005, SF), Steven Garcia (2005, ATL), Darric Merrell, current TVHS head coach (2003, COL), Kyle Boyer (2003, CH), David Garcia (2002, DET), Tony Garcia (2001, CH), Roddy Friar (2000, SL), Jason Clements (1999, OAK), Reed Johnson (1999, TOR), Trevor Preston (1993, SD), Greg Aiken (1993, SD), and Ryan Gause (1993, MON). The school continues to be a breeding ground for top-tier talent, demonstrating its enduring ability to develop players ready for professional baseball.
The deadline for MLB teams to sign players selected in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft is July 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. The MLB Trade Deadline is also on July 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. ET. After a player is drafted, he has a few weeks to negotiate a signing bonus and agree to a contract. Players who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility can sign at any time up until one week prior to next year’s draft.
With Hadeen now off the board, there could be several other local names that remain in the mix as Day 3 of the draft approaches. Stay tuned for updates online and in next week’s issues as we recap and try to check in with all the local draft picks.
