2016 MLB Draft: Brandon Bailey drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the sixth round

The Oakland Athletics chose Gonzaga Bulldogs starting pitcher Brandon Bailey with the 172nd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Bailey had a stellar year, helping lead the Zags to their first-ever at large birth into the NCAA Baseball Championship. He earned the win in the Zags first and only win of the Tournament, a 5-1 upset over the higher-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils.

Baseball Almanac projects Bailey as having higher upside as a reliever in the major leagues, questioning whether or not he has the frame and endurance to hold up to 30 starts per year as a pro.

He has pitchability and power, sitting 90-92 mph and popping the occasional 94 to go with an above-average changeup. He spots his effective slider, which at times has bite and earns average grades.

Bailey finished the season with a 10-3 record, 100.1 innings pitched, 125 strikeouts and a 2.42 ERA. He finished sixth in the nation in strikeouts and was ranked 20th in the nation in K/9 at 11.21.

The Zags have started to consistently send products into the MLB Draft. Last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers chose Andrew Sopko in the seventh round.

Congratulations Brandon!