OC Riptide Alumni in Pro Baseball

Numerous OC Riptide alumni have played in or are currently playing professional baseball. As of the end of the 2024 season, five OC Riptide alumni in pro baseball have advanced to play in the MLB.

OC Riptide Alumni in the MLB

Caleb Kilian

MLB Debut: June 4, 2022 – Chicago Cubs

Caleb Kilian played for the OC Riptide in 2017 while a Right-Handed Pitcher for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Kilian was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 20th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft but did not sign and chose to return to Texas Tech. He would get drafted a year later by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft and signed.

On July 30, 2021, the San Francisco Giants traded Kilian along with Alexander Canario to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Kris Bryant.

On June 4, 2022, Kilian was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time to start against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kilian is the first OC Riptide Alumnus to debut for a Major League Baseball club.

Dominic Fletcher

MLB Debut: April 30, 2023 – Arizona Diamondbacks

Dominic Fletcher played for the OC Riptide in 2017 while an Outfielder for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Fletcher in the second round, with the 75th overall selection, of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. On November 15, 2022, the Diamondbacks selected Fletcher’s contract and added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. On April 30, 2023 Fletcher was promoted to the major leagues.

On February 3, 2024, the Diamondbacks traded Fletcher to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Cristian Mena. Fletcher is the second OC Riptide Alumnus to appear in a Major League Baseball game.

During his time with the Riptide in 2017, Fletcher received CCL MVP honors en route to helping the Riptide win its first CCL Championship.

Trey Lipscomb

MLB Debut: March 30, 2024 – Washington Nationals

Trey Lipscomb played for the OC Riptide in 2019 while an Infielder for the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Washington Nationals selected Lipscomb in the third round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft. On March 30, 2024, Lipscomb was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues.

Lipscomb’s debut saw him get a hit in his first at-bat. He would then steal his first base one batter later.

Lipscomb is the third OC Riptide Alumnus to make it to Major League Baseball.

Hunter Bigge

MLB Debut: July 9, 2024 – Chicago Cubs

Hunter Bigge played for the OC Riptide in 2017 while a Right-Handed Pitcher for Harvard University.

The Chicago Cubs selected Bigge in the 12th round, with the 372nd overall pick, of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. On July 7, 2024, the Cubs selected Bigge to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut pitching in relief of the ninth inning on July 9, 2024 vs. the Baltimore Orioles.

On July 28, 2024, the Cubs traded Bigge, Christopher Morel, and Ty Johnson to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Isaac Paredes.

Bigge is the fourth OC Riptide Alumnus to make it to Major League Baseball.

Eric Wagaman

MLB Debut: September 10, 2024 – Los Angeles Angels

Eric Wagaman played for the OC Riptide in 2017 while an Infielder / Outfielder for the Orange Coast College Pirates.

The New York Yankees selected Wagaman in the 13th round, with the 392nd overall selection, of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. On December 6, 2023, Wagaman was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. On September 10, 2024, Wagaman was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.

Wagaman made his MLB debut on September 10, 2024 vs. the Minnesota Twins, pinch hitting for Nolan Schanuel. On November 19, Wagaman was designated for assignment by the Angels. Three days later, the Angels non–tendered Wagaman, making him a free agent.

On December 20, 2024, Wagaman signed a one–year, major league contract with the Miami Marlins.

Wagaman marks the fifth OC Riptide Alumnus to make it to Major League Baseball.

Developing Future MLB Stars, Today

Ask any college baseball player what’s their No. 1 goal. They will most likely say, “Sign a professional contract and make it to the Major Leagues.”

When it comes to our players, the Orange County Riptide’s No. 1 goal is to develop players and showcase their talents to put them in the best position to get drafted. At the very least, we strive to have our players return to their respective colleges a better player than when they arrived.

The OC Riptide emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship and exposure to professional scouts, providing a solid foundation for collegiate student-athletes.

Some may not get drafted or sign a free agent contract but will have received outstanding instruction during their summer spent in Orange County, California. Many will form bonds and friendships that will last well beyond their summer with the Riptide.