With the MLB season a couple weeks in, now’s a good time to take a look at how some of NC State baseball’s professional alums are doing. While the Pack’s two current MLB products in shortstop Trea Turner and starting pitcher Carlos Rodon are both currently on the disabled list, the Pack is well-represented throughout the ranks of minor league baseball.

Andrew Knizner, Catcher, St. Louis Cardinals organization

The Cardinals drafted the Pack’s catcher from last season in the seventh round of the 2017 MLB draft. After playing for the Cardinals’ rookie ball affiliate, the Jackson City Cardinals, Knizner is currently plying his trade with the Class-A Peoria Chiefs. He is off to a strong start to the season, picking up 10 hits, two runs and an RBI in 26 at bats for a strong .385 batting average and .407 on-base percentage.

Jake Buchanan, Pitcher, Chicago Cubs organization

Buchanan, who pitched one game (a win) for the defending World Series champions last September, has struggled so far for the Iowa Cubs, Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate. He has an 0-2 record with a 9.28 ERA in two starts. In 10.2 innings pitched, Buchanan has surrendered 15 hits and 11 earned runs, including four of the long-ball variety.

Ryan Williamson, Pitcher, Chicago Cubs organization

Another Iowa Cubs pitcher, Williamson has not fared any better than his Wolfpack alumnus counterpart. In two starts, Williamson is 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA; he has only made it through 5.2 total innings, allowing 11 hits and six earned runs.

Will Gilbert, Pitcher, Oakland Athletics organization

A 2016 eighth-round pick for the Athletics, the former Wolfpack reliever currently finds himself with the Beloit Snappers of the Midwest league. In three appearances, he has picked up two victories with a 4.50 ERA, allowing two hits and one run in two total innings pitched.

Preston Palmeiro, First Baseman, Baltimore Orioles organization

The former Wolfpack slugger was taken in the seventh-round by Baltimore, where he will hope to follow in the footsteps of his father, former MLB great Rafael Palmeiro, who also played for the Orioles. Palmeiro is currently with the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Orioles’ Single-A affiliate. He has seven hits, two runs, six RBIs and one dinger in 38 at bats for a .184 batting average and .273 on-base percentage, two numbers he would probably like to see improve.