Matt Brosky is taking the next step in his baseball career.

The Youngstown State junior pitcher was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 8th round Monday afternoon with the 229th overall pick. The 2022 Horizon League Pitcher of the Year is the first Penguin to be selected in the MLB Draft since Frank Califano was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2015.

“I’m so happy for Matt and his family,” YSU head coach Dan Bertolini said in a press release Monday afternoon. “He has worked so hard to get to this point and I know he will do great things in the Rangers organization. They are not only getting a great pitcher, but a great person.”

Brosky, a Strongsville native, is just the fifth YSU player selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft and is the Penguins’ highest draft pick since Drew Dosch was selected in the seventh round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013.

As a first-team All-Horizon selection in 2022, Brosky finished the season with a 6-7 record and a 2.65 ERA. He also recorded 102 strikeouts and five complete games in 98.2 innings of work. Brosky also led the Horizon League in ERA and innings pitched while tying for the league lead in strikeouts. He also tied for the league lead with six victories.

One of Brosky’s career highlights came during the Horizon League tournament this past season as he led YSU to a first round victory over Purdue Fort Wayne with a complete game shutout in a 6-0 victory. He also recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts and was the first Penguin to be named to the All-Tournament team since 2014.

“Out of all the players I’ve had get this opportunity, I don’t know if I’ve been more proud of a young man,” YSU pitching coach and recruiting coordinator Shane Davis said in a press release. “He is a student of the game who studies his craft. I saw Matt out prepare, out compete and outperform every pitcher he matched up against this season. I have no doubt he will continue to do that in the Rangers organization.”