July 15, 2024

Grand Canyon University Athletics News Release

Grand Canyon senior outfielder Tyler Wilson was picked by the New York Yankees in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB Draft on Monday.

"Just beyond blessed and at a loss for words," Wilson said. "A lot of hard work to be able to get here and couldn't have done it without my teammates and coaches here at GCU. Excited to get things going and all glory goes to God!"

GCU has churned out at least one draft pick in 11 consecutive drafts with 26 selections since 2014.

"It's a great day for Tyler, his family, and the entire GCU baseball program," GCU head coach Gregg Wallis said. "Tyler put his heart and soul into the program for four years and earned this great opportunity with the New York Yankees. I am very proud of him and can't wait to watch his professional career."

Wilson, who is the son of former big league pitcher Steve Wilson (Victoria, B.C.), compiled an impressive Lopes career where he had a significant role in all four of his seasons. He ranks in the program's all-time top-10 for games played (206), at bats (728), hits (242) and total bases (376). He finished second in GCU's Division I era for career hits, only behind four-year teammate Elijah Buries.

Wilson hit .300 or better in all four of his collegiate seasons. He peaked in his senior season in 2024 when he won WAC Player of the Year and set career bests for batting average (.378), runs (54), hits (88), doubles (18), homers (17) and RBIs (65). All of those marks led the team in 2024, a Lopes squad that advanced to the NCAA tournament for the third time in four seasons and advanced to a regional championship for the first time ever.

The Lopes went 4-for-4 in WAC regular-season championships with Wilson on the roster and advanced to the NCAA tournament three times.

Wilson becomes the fifth Lope to be selected by the Yankees, joining Tayler Aguilar (2022), Mick Vorhof (2018), Jorge Perez (2014) and Aaron Kramer (1996).