2015 MLB Draft Features Tulsa Area Natives

The 2015 MLB draft is in full effect, and some Tulsa area natives have been selected.

Oklahoma State pitcher Michael Freeman was drafted in the seventh round (199 overall) by the Houston Astros. The former Bishop Kelley standout was the Big 12 pitcher of the year this season, finishing with a 10-3 record and 1.31 ERA.

“I had a great season and got to play with a bunch of incredible teammates and be a part of such a great team,” said Freeman. “It was really a fun year. It was the most fun year I had playing baseball.”

He now looks forward to his new journey. “It hasn't come full circle. The feeling I have is just really excited,” he said. “It's been a dream since I was four years old and [it's] just really an incredible feeling to get to do that now.”

The lefty had a dominant season as OSU's starting pitcher but is expected to play a different role for Houston.

"From what I've heard, I'll play a little bit of a different role. I was a starter at Oklahoma State, and now [I'll] be probably more of a reliever, and that role, just whatever they have me do. It'll be a little bit different to play a different role on a team, but I'm excited to do that.”

Broken Arrow native Jacob Evans was also drafted.

The University of Oklahoma pitcher was selected sixth round (191 overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals. He posted a 6-1 record with a 1.67 era and eight saves for OU this season.

“Just seeing your name called up there, you know, kind of seeing all this hard work payoff is pretty awesome,” said Evans. “Growing up, I was actually a Cardinals fan, and being able to get the opportunity to play for the St. Louis Cardinals is a dream come true… I'm just excited to get started.”

Other players drafted with Oklahoma ties include:

Anthony Hermelyn (C, Oklahoma) Houston Astros- Round 4 Pick 109

Ryan Helsley (RHP, Northeastern State) St. Louis Cardinals- Round 5 Pick 161

Taylor Hearn (LHP, Oklahoma Baptist) Washington Nationals- Round 5 Pick 164

Corey Zangari (1B, Carl Albert HS) Chicago White Sox- Round 6 Pick 172

Koda Glover (RHP, Oklahoma State) Washington Nationals- Round 8 Pick 254

Kelvin Rivas (RHP, Oklahoma Baptist) Miami Marlins- Round 10 Pick 296

Justin Ellison (CF, Western Oklahoma State) Atlanta Braves- Round 12 Pick 360

Craig Aikin (CF, Oklahoma) St. Louis Cardinals- Round 13 Pick 401

Adam Choplick (LHP, Oklahoma) Texas Rangers- Round 14 Pick 408

Christopher Shaw (C, Oklahoma) Baltimore Orioles- Round 15 Pick 463

Joshua Rolette (C, Shawnee High School) St. Louis Cardinals- Round 18 Pick 551

Robert Tasin (RHP, Oklahoma) Philadelphia Phillies- Round 19 Pick 564

Thomas McIlraith (RHP, Oklahoma) New York Mets- Round 20 Pick 599

Anthony Sequiera (RHP, Oral Roberts) Philadelphia Phillies- Round 23 Pick 684

Donnie Walton (SS, Oklahoma State) Milwaukee Brewers- Round 23 Pick 691

Tim Arakawa (2B, Oklahoma State) Los Angeles Angels- Round 23 Pick 705

Austin Afenir (C, Oral Roberts) New York Yankees- Round 25 Pick 753

Ralph Garza (RHP, Oklahoma) Houston Astros- Round 26 Pick 769

Jon Perrin (RHP, Oklahoma State) Milwaukee Brewers- Round 27 Pick 811

Bryan Case (C, Oklahoma State) San Francisco Giants- Round 27 Pick 816

Xavier Altamirano (RHP, Oral Roberts) Oakland A's- Round 27 Pick 818