Which OU baseball players boosted MLB Draft stock the most with College World Series run?

OMAHA, Neb. — The end of OU's storybook postseason run is just the beginning for some of its players.

After being picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 preseason poll, the Sooners shocked the college baseball world by reaching the College World Series championship round for the first time since 1994.

OU's run ended on Sunday with a 4-2 loss to Ole Miss, but its focus now shifts to the upcoming MLB Draft. The 20-round event is set for July 17-19, and numerous OU players are expected to hear their names called.

Here are the Sooners who improved their draft stock during the team's postseason run:

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Cade Horton, redshirt freshman pitcher

No OU player boosted his draft stock more this postseason than Horton.

After being rated by Perfect Game as the No. 34 player in the Class of 2020, the former Norman High standout's value took a hit when he underwent Tommy John surgery before the start of his freshman season.

Horton was sidelined for 13 months, but he made a triumphant return this season. He finished with a 4.86 ERA, although that number doesn't truly reflect his dominance in the postseason.

In his four NCAA Tournament games, Horton had 40 strikeouts and allowed eight runs in 25 2/3 innings pitched.

Horton saved his best for last in Game 2 of the College World Series finals on Sunday. OU suffered a season-ending 4-2 loss to Ole Miss, but Horton had a career-high 13 strikeouts and allowed just four hits in 7 ⅓ innings.

With a fastball that sits at 94-97 miles per hour and a deadly slider serving as the top weapons in his arsenal, Horton has seemingly cemented his spot in the first round of the upcoming MLB Draft.

Projection: First round

More: OU baseball, Cade Horton 'laid the foundation for the future' in CWS

Peyton Graham, redshirt sophomore shortstop

Graham silenced his critics this season.

The 6-4, 171-pound redshirt sophomore has long been criticized for his thin frame, but that didn't stop him from showing off his power.

Graham batted .335 and recorded a team-high 20 home runs, which tied for 32nd in the nation. He was also the only Division I player with more than 20 home runs and 30 steals (34).

Graham hit his stride in the NCAA Tournament. He had at least one hit in 10 of the Sooners' 12 games and hit four homers along the way.

Graham might become the first OU infielder in program history to be selected in the first round, although he'll likely hear his name called early in the second.

Projection: Rounds 1-2

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Jake Bennett, redshirt sophomore pitcher

OU head coach Skip Johnson commonly referred to Bennett as the program's "poster boy" this season, and it isn't hard to see why.

The 6-6, 234-pound redshirt sophomore recorded a 3.69 ERA and pitched a team-high 117 innings across 20 appearances. He had a team-high 133 strikeouts in the process.

Bennett shook off some early nerves and settled in on the biggest stage.

After matching his season total with three wild pitches in the first two innings of Saturday's College World Series finals opener, the Bixby native finished with 10 strikeouts and four allowed runs in 6 ⅓ innings.

With a fastball that usually clocks in at 91-94 mph and a changeup that sits in the 82-85 mph range, Bennett has all the makings of a starting-caliber pitcher at the next level.

Projection: Rounds 2-4

Carlson: College World Series 'what ifs' shouldn't cloud OU baseball's amazing season

Jimmy Crooks, redshirt sophomore catcher

Crooks was a key piece for OU this season.

The redshirt sophomore had nine home runs, 51 RBIs and scored 49 runs while batting .305, and he turned it up in the NCAA Tournament. He tallied 15 RBIs and nine runs on .340 hitting in the 12-game span.

Crooks also displayed above-average arm strength on defense. He threw out 20 of the 45 stolen-base attempts.

Consistency at the plate will be key for Crooks at the next level, but his strong showing this postseason certainly boosted his stock in the upcoming draft.

Projection: Rounds 5-7

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Blake Robertson, redshirt sophomore first baseman

Robertson has worked his way back into the conversation.

After being selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 26th round of the 2019 MLB Draft following his senior year at Santa Fe High School, the Edmond native instead opted to attend college at Oklahoma State.

Robertson never played for the Cowboys, and he spent the 2021 season at Cowley College before transferring to OU.

Robertson recorded 52 RBIs, 62 runs and five home runs on .300 hitting this season.

The 6-5, 200-pound first baseman has the size of a major league player, and he's capable of covering ground on defense. Robertson showed that in a College World Series game against Notre Dame on June 19 by making a catch while falling head first into the Irish dugout.

After passing on a chance to go pro out of high school, Robertson has done enough to hear his name called again.

Projection: Rounds 7-10

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Tanner Tredaway, redshirt senior outfielder

After going virtually unrecruited out of high school and spending a year at the junior college level, Tredaway arrived at OU in 2019.

The 6-foot, 188-pound outfielder played well for the Sooners in his first three campaigns with the team, but he blossomed this postseason.

In OU's 12 NCAA Tournament games, Tredaway recorded 11 RBIs and 12 runs on .420 hitting. He finished the season with 66 RBIs, 63 runs, a team-high batting average of .370 and a slugging percentage of .549.

Tredaway will turn 23 in August, but his hot hitting could be enough to attract some attention in the later rounds of the draft.

Projection: Round 15-Undrafted

More: Why Tanner Tredaway's run with OU baseball has been a 'dream come true'

Trevin Michael, graduate pitcher

Despite blowing a save during OU's 4-2 loss to Ole Miss on Sunday, Michael showcased his reliability all season.

He had a team-best 2.89 ERA and recorded 10 saves, which tied for the 26th-highest total in the nation.

Michael was established as a consistent closer for the Sooners, but it'll be difficult for him to climb the draft board due to his age. The Piedmont native will turn 25 in September.

Still, the talent is there. Michael's fastball can clock 98 mph, and he's equipped with a slider and changeup that'll also transfer well to the next level.

Michael could fall out of the draft entirely, but he'll certainly receive a pro contract regardless of how things shake out.

Projection: Round 15-Undrafted

Justin Martinez can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or @JTheSportsDude on Twitter. Make sure to subscribe to The Oklahoman to stay up to date with all local sports.

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU baseball: Projections for Sooners players in 2022 MLB Draft