TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State right-hander Luke Hayden was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
 
Hayden (Pick: 239) marks the 16th Indiana State baseball player drafted since 2014 and 92nd Sycamore to be taken in the MLB Draft since 1965. He joins fellow draftee Randal Diaz (Washington Nationals - 5th Round, Pick 141) as the first two Sycamores picked on the draft's second day.
 
Hayden wrapped up the 2023 season earning Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team honors, as well as MVC Second Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Academic recognition in his first season with the Sycamores.
 
Hayden finished among the Valley's leaders in multiple statistical categories over the 2024 season finishing third in ERA (3.81), seventh in opponent batting average (.248), ninth in innings pitched (78.0), second in strikeouts (91), and fourth in wins (7). He started all 16 of his appearances on the mound over the past season going at least 5.0-innings in nine different starts, while striking out at least five hitters in 13 different games.
 
The Bloomington, Ind. native made his ISU debut going 6.0 shutout innings against South Florida back on February 19 allowing four hits and striking out five in the win over the Bulls. He added his first complete game against Illinois State on April 21 allowing six hits and an unearned run while striking out 11 on his way to earning MVC Pitcher of the Week recognition.
 
Hayden saved some of his best work of the season for the postseason going 6.0 innings allowing three hits while striking out nine in an elimination game at the MVC Tournament against UIC. The performance earned him MVC All-Tournament recognition. He followed up at the Lexington Regional going 4.1 innings allowing three hits and three runs while striking out seven in ISU's 6-4 elimination game win over Western Michigan.
 
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