July 16, 2025

Jake Brink Selected by Cincinnati Reds in MLB Draft

News Summary

Jake Brink, a standout pitcher from the College of Charleston, has been drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. This achievement underscores Brink’s impressive performance during the season, where he showcased his skills with a 3.58 ERA and led the Colonial Athletic Association with three complete games. Brink becomes the eighth player from the institution drafted since 2018, reflecting the consistent success of the college’s baseball program under Coach Chad Holbrook’s leadership.

Charleston, SC – Jake Brink, a talented pitcher from the College of Charleston, has been selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft. This selection marks a significant achievement in Brink’s baseball career and highlights the ongoing success of the College of Charleston baseball program.

This draft marks Brink as the eighth player from the College of Charleston to be drafted since head coach Chad Holbrook took the helm in 2018. Over those years, a total of 26 players have been picked within the first 15 rounds of the draft, underscoring the institution’s consistent presence in the MLB Draft landscape.

During the 2025 baseball season, Brink made 16 appearances and started in 15 games, demonstrating his durability on the mound with a career-high of 93.0 innings pitched. He concluded the season with a 6-6 win-loss record and an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.58, logging 82 strikeouts. Brink’s performance was particularly notable as he led the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) with three complete games, while also finishing second in the conference for innings pitched.

In a notable individual achievement, Brink became the first pitcher from the College of Charleston to throw back-to-back complete games since Bailey Ober accomplished this feat in 2016. Additionally, he distinguished himself by becoming the first College of Charleston pitcher since 2006 to record two complete game shutouts in the same season. This level of performance emphasizes Brink’s skill set and potential for a successful career in professional baseball.

Looking back at his previous season, Brink played a pivotal role in the Cougars’ impressive 2024 campaign, where the team achieved a 41-14 record. He finished that season with an 8-3 record and a 3.69 ERA over 92.2 innings pitched. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he earned recognition as an All-CAA Honorable Mention in 2025 and was named to the All-CAA Second Team in 2024.

The 2025 MLB Draft continued a positive trend for the College of Charleston, with the institution maintaining a streak of having at least one player selected in each of the last three drafts. Prior selections included reliever William Privette in 2023, who was taken in the 13th round by the Texas Rangers, and third baseman Cole Mathis, selected in the second round by the Chicago Cubs in 2024. Mathis notably became the highest draft pick in program history when he was chosen 54th overall last year.

Brink is the third player from the College of Charleston to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, joining the ranks of catcher Rob Kral, who was selected in 2010, and second baseman Blake Butler, who was drafted in 2015. This continued connection with the Reds highlights the positive relationship between the organization and the College of Charleston baseball program.

As Jake Brink embarks on his professional baseball journey with the Cincinnati Reds, his achievements not only reflect his dedication and hard work but also shine a light on the efficacy of the college’s baseball program under Coach Holbrook’s leadership. The future looks promising for Brink as he takes this significant step in his athletic career.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.