ATLANTA, Ga. – ⚡ The baseball world has a new name to watch! College of Charleston pitcher Jake Brink has officially been selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, marking a major milestone in a career full of promise, record-breaking performances, and unstoppable momentum.
Charleston has now seen a player drafted three years in a row, continuing the program’s remarkable trend of producing professional-level talent. Brink joins reliever William Privette (2023, Texas Rangers) and third baseman Cole Mathis (2024, Chicago Cubs), with Mathis still holding the program record as the highest-ever draft pick at 54th overall.
Since taking over in 2018, head coach Chad Holbrook has overseen a dramatic rise in talent production. Brink becomes the 8th Cougar drafted under Holbrook and the 26th player selected in the first 15 rounds, cementing the College of Charleston as a pipeline for professional baseball talent.
“The best is yet to come for Jake,” Holbrook said. “The Reds are getting a high-character, hard-working kid who is going to pitch for a long, long time! ⚾💪 This is a proud moment for him, his family, and our program.”
A Record-Breaking Season
Brink’s 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. The right-hander made 16 appearances, starting 15 games and throwing a career-high 93 innings. He went 6-6 with a 3.58 ERA, racking up 82 strikeouts, and led the CAA with three complete games, finishing second in innings pitched.
Brink made history in multiple ways: he became the first CofC pitcher to throw back-to-back complete games since Bailey Ober in 2016, and the first pitcher since 2006 to record two complete-game shutouts in a single season. His performance wasn’t just dominant; it was historically significant, making him one of the most exciting pitchers to watch in college baseball today.
Associate head coach Will Dorton couldn’t hide his excitement: “Jake’s college career is just a snapshot of his MLB potential. The Reds are getting a consummate professional who will hit the ground running. I couldn’t be prouder, and I can’t wait to see him dominate at the next level.” 🙌
A Track Record of Excellence
Brink’s rise hasn’t been sudden. In 2024, as a sophomore, he helped lead Charleston to a 41-14 record, posting an 8-3 pitching record, a 3.69 ERA, and 62 strikeouts. That season earned him All-CAA Second Team honors, signaling early on that he had the talent, work ethic, and poise to succeed at the next level.
With his 2025 draft selection, Brink joins the exclusive club of College of Charleston players drafted by the Reds, following catcher Rob Kral (2010) and second baseman Blake Butler (2015). His addition represents not just a personal achievement, but a continuation of Charleston’s growing reputation as a program that produces MLB-ready talent.
What’s Next?
📣 For baseball fans and Reds supporters, Jake Brink is more than just a college pitcher — he’s a future MLB ace in the making. With a combination of power, precision, and endurance, Brink has all the tools to rise quickly through the minor leagues and make an impact on the big stage.
⚾ Whether you’re a Reds fan or a college baseball enthusiast, this is one name you won’t want to forget. Jake Brink has the stats, the accolades, and the talent — and now, the professional opportunity — to become one of the most talked-about pitchers in baseball for years to come. 🌟💥
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