The growing list of native Arkansans in professional baseball added three new names to their list in the 2023 MLB Draft. Marcus Brown (Shiloh Christian), James Hicks (Conway) and Mac McCruskey (Springdale Har-Ber) were each selected in the 20 round draft. Brown, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Nationals, hit .273 this past season at Oklahoma State with nine home runs, 21 extra base hits and 36 RBI. In three seasons with the Cowboys, Brown was a .302 hitter with 13 home runs, 27 doubles and 74 RBI. Hicks, who was drafted in the 13th round by the Astros, pitched for South Carolina the past two seasons and turned into one of the Gamecocks more reliable relievers in 2023. Hicks appeared in 25 games for USC while compiling an 8-1 record with a 3.48 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 67.1 innings of work. McCroskey was selected in the 20th round by the Angels after helping lead Oral Roberts to the 2023 College World Series. McCroskey was a .318 hitter in two seasons for the Golden Eagles with 19 home runs, 104 RBI and 42 extra base hits.