Baseball Mickey Gilligan turns down MLB, opts to play for Rutgers Baseball

Richie O

Hall of Famer

Staff member

Mar 21, 2016

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• Jul 13, 2026

• #1

Mickey Gilligan turns down MLB, opts to play for Rutgers Baseball

The 2026 New Jersey High School Player of the Year, Mickey Gilligan turns down the MLB and will play for Rutgers Baseball.

www.on3.com

 

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jc477

Redshirt

Jun 27, 2026

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• Jul 13, 2026

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Has he actually eschewed the MLB draft in favor of Rutgers or was he not drafted (predicted to be a top 5 round pick)? Owens brought in 2 catchers through the portal and now Gilligan is staying. Wonder if that might cause a problem behind the dish?

 

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Jersey Al 64

Redshirt

Jul 9, 2025

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• Jul 14, 2026

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He wasn’t drafted. I assume he talked to MLB teams pre draft who indicated where they might pick him and what bonus amount they would give him. He probably indicated he wouldn’t sign for that amount, hence teams didn’t waste a draft pick on him.

 

Tango Two

Heisman

Aug 21, 2001

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vkj91

Heisman

Feb 7, 2007

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• Aug 22, 2026

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He wanted more than he was “worth”. Once it hit a certain pick he pulled out of draft. That being said, kids a stud

 

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80RU

All-American

Jan 31, 2011

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• Aug 30, 2026

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@HRodriguez @Richie O -- they got two high level catcher transfers when it appeared that he would sign pro -- will there be issues here with not enough PT to go around even with DH and occasional 1B appearances?