By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Tech baseball has produced another elite professional prospect, as Yellow Jackets catcher Vahn Lackey was selected by the Minnesota Twins with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

The selection represents a historic moment for Lackey and another major accomplishment for one of college baseball’s most tradition-rich programs. After developing from a lightly recruited prospect out of Collins Hill High School into one of the nation’s most complete players, Lackey will now take the next step toward Major League Baseball as a cornerstone prospect in the Twins organization.

Lackey’s rise up draft boards was fueled by a remarkable junior season on the Flats. He emerged as one of college baseball’s most dangerous offensive players while continuing to demonstrate elite athleticism, defensive ability, arm strength, leadership, and versatility behind the plate. He entered the draft conversation after a season in which he hit nearly .400, launched 20 home runs, posted an OPS approaching 1.300, and stole 15 bases.

While his offensive production attracted national attention, Lackey’s ability behind the plate helped separate him from other top prospects. His combination of power, speed, defensive instincts, and positional value made him one of the most unique players available in the 2026 draft.

Lackey also displayed extraordinary versatility during his final season at Georgia Tech. In a victory over West Georgia, he became the first player in Yellow Jackets history to appear at eight different defensive positions in the same game. That performance reflected the athleticism and team-first mentality that defined his career on the Flats.

Minnesota entered the draft holding its highest selection since choosing Royce Lewis No. 1 overall in 2017. Lackey had been widely connected to the Twins throughout the pre-draft process and was viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone because of his rare combination of offensive upside and premium defense at catcher.

For Georgia Tech, the selection adds another chapter to the program’s proud history of developing major-league talent. Lackey follows a long line of Yellow Jackets who have advanced from Russ Chandler Stadium to professional baseball, but his journey stands out because of the dramatic growth he displayed during his three seasons.

After batting .214 with four home runs as a freshman, Lackey made a major leap during his sophomore season, hitting .347 with six home runs, 42 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. His development accelerated again as a junior, transforming him into one of college baseball’s biggest stars and one of the premier prospects in the country.

Now, Lackey trades the Old Gold and White for the Minnesota Twins organization—but he leaves Georgia Tech as one of the most accomplished and dynamic players in recent program history.

From Suwanee to the Flats—and now to the Twin Cities—the journey continues.

Congratulations to Vahn Lackey: Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and the No. 3 overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft.

THWG. Go Jackets! 🐝⚾