Chris McHugh Drafted by Padres After Two Outstanding Seasons at NC State

Chris McHugh’s collegiate career is officially headed to the professional ranks.

The San Diego Padres selected the NC State first baseman with the 335th overall pick in the 11th round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday.

McHugh has announced that he intends to forgo his senior season and begin his professional career with the Padres organization.

Breakout After Transferring to NC State

McHugh spent his freshman season at VCU before transferring to Raleigh, where he quickly developed into one of the ACC’s top hitters.

As a freshman with the Rams, he hit .253.

One year later, he exploded onto the scene for the Wolfpack.

2025 Statistics

.365 batting average
72 hits (team leader)
48 RBI (team leader)
.462 on-base percentage (team leader)

McHugh’s outstanding sophomore campaign earned him Second Team All-ACC honors and established him as one of the best first basemen in the conference.

Another Strong Season in 2026

Although he didn’t earn All-ACC honors this past season, McHugh once again served as one of the anchors of NC State’s lineup.

2026 Statistics

.320 batting average
50 RBI (team leader)
16 doubles (tied for team lead)

His consistency in the middle of the order helped power one of the ACC’s top offenses for a second consecutive season.

Leaving Raleigh for the Pros

After hearing his name called by San Diego, McHugh has elected to begin his professional career rather than return to NC State for another season.

His combination of contact ability, gap power, and run production made him one of the Wolfpack’s most dependable hitters during his two years in Raleigh.

Now he’ll have the opportunity to continue his development in one of baseball’s most respected farm systems.