FGCU right-handed pitcher Justin Henschel has been selected in the seventh round, 204th overall, by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2025 MLB Draft on July 14.
Henschel was the only Eagle to be drafted in the MLB draft, and the 39th drafted player under coach Dave Tollett.
Henschel became the fourth FGCU pitcher selected in the MLB draft in three consecutive years, following Davian Garcia (170th overall) in 2024, and Jason Woodward (119th overall) and Mason Miller (409th overall) in 2023. With the selection, Henschel becomes the eighth-highest MLB draft pick in program history.
“This moment marks the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and unwavering determination,” said FGCU coach Dave Tollett in a press release. “Justin’s story is one of true perseverance. He joined our program as a walk‑on with a dream — and today that dream became a reality.”
Henschel appeared in 15 games with 12 starts in 2023, as a freshman. He went 6-2 on the season with a 5.76 ERA, recording 56 strikeouts in 65.2 innings pitched. He saw an increased role in his sophomore season, pitching a team-high 66 innings and recording a career-high 4.91 ERA. In the 2024 ASUN Tournament, he pitched a complete game against Austin Peay, holding the Governors to just three runs in a 13-3 run rule win, earning him a spot on the All-Tournament team.
In his junior season, Henschel was named to the ASUN preseason team and opened the season ranked No.101 in D1Baseball’s Pitcher Position Rankings while being recognized as the top draft prospect in the ASUN. He appeared in three games, pitching 12 innings where he recorded 13 strikeouts and held his opponents to a .186 batting average before his season was cut short due to an elbow injury.
Henschel is the second FGCU player to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, following third baseman Jason Louwsma, who was picked No.864 in the 29th round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
“There is no one more deserving of this opportunity, and his journey serves as a powerful inspiration to aspiring players everywhere,” Tollett added.
