Penn State Baseball Weekly Summer Report (Week of July 21-27)

Late playoff pushes highlight this week of summer ball as the regular seasons begin to cool down. A new addition has fans saying “welcome back” to the Northwoods League in a big way. Plus, some more Nittany Lion draftees signed with their respective MLB organizations ahead of the signing deadline. For the biggest storylines of the week and player honors, read below.

McDonald Joins Crowded Outfield From Down South

Former Trinity (TX) outfielder Maddox McDonald was the latest transfer portal addition on Thursday after being a D3Baseball.com Fifth Team All-American selection in the spring. His speed on the basepaths is a big plus, stealing 19 bases in 2025. McDonald plays for the Badlands Big Sticks of the Northwoods League this summer, having already swiped 12 bags in 19 games for them.

Renner Signs With Marlins

The first domino to fall in this week of the MLB Draft signing period for Penn State was right-handed pitcher Chase Renner, who made it official on Monday. Renner played the closer role, one that will now likely go to former Towson right-hander Kyle Emmons. After battling injury in 2023 and 2024, Renner had a stellar farewell campaign in Happy Valley.

Kling Inks Contract With Rangers

Though center fielder Paxton Kling was the first Nittany Lion to be drafted, he was the penultimate player to sign as he did so with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Kling was on the move immediately, being assigned to their affiliate in the Arizona Complex League the following day. According to MiLB.com, however, Kling has yet to report.

DeSanto Agrees to Deal With Guardians

The Friday ace has found greener pastures in The Forest City after signing with the Cleveland Guardians during a ceremony on Saturday. DeSanto was picked in the 12th round on July 14, making him the last of three Top 250 prospects for the Nittany Lions to be selected. The left-hander has yet to hear about where he is headed with respect to the rookie and minor leagues.

Player of the Week: SS Preston Yaucher (Burlington Sock Puppets, Appalachian)

It was a close race to the finish between Yaucher and the newest addition in Maddox McDonald this week, but the numbers speak for themselves. Yaucher drove in nine runs and sported a .955 on-base plus slugging percentage in 20 at-bats. As the Sock Puppets have clinched first place in the West division, Penn State fans will get an early look at what the rising freshman can do in high-pressure situations with the league playoffs starting this Thursday.

Pitcher of the Week: LHP Logan Olson (Newport Gulls, NECBL)

It was a solid performance from the rising senior as Olson recorded two scoreless innings in an 8-2 win over the Sanford Mainers on Wednesday. He also struck out two batters and allowed only two hits in the win. In a limited week for the Penn State pitching staff in summer leagues, Olson got the job done on his end.

Question of the Week: What’s going to happen with Cohl Mercado?

As Maddox McDonald joins the outfield as a graduate transfer, his hitting may catch the attention of the coaching staff wanting to make him a potential everyday starter. Even with that being taken into account, Mercado has had his moments as a great fielder and hitter that would keep him in the loop. Before the fall helps sort things out, expect a four-player rotation in the outfield with Mercado as the priority with prior coaching connections from Boston College.