Louisville's Patrick Forbes drafted in first round by Arizona Diamondbacks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Four years ago, Patrick Forbes was an outfielder with a promising arm. Now he’s a first-round pitcher with a golden ticket.

On Sunday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks called his name with the 29th overall pick in the MLB Draft, making the Louisville right-hander the 10th first-round selection in program history — and the first since Henry Davis went No. 1 overall in 2021.

Forbes watched the moment unfold with family and teammates in the Omaha Room inside the Louisville clubhouse. When the pick came across, he stood, smiled, and hugged his way around the room — a College World Series ace turned big-league hopeful, all in the span of a few weeks.

And when the lights were brightest, he delivered his biggest performances.

The Bowling Green native struck out 117 batters in 71 1/3 innings in 2025, leading the ACC in strikeouts per nine (14.76) and finishing third nationally. His 10-strikeout College World Series outing capped a dominant postseason and erased any lingering doubt about whether he belonged in the first round.

Patrick Forbes and Dan McDonnell — Louisville pitcher Patrick Forbes hugs Cardinals coach Dan McDonnell after being drafted in the first round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Louisville baseball photo

“Patrick Forbes’ best days are ahead of him,” U of L coach Dan McDonnell said after that Omaha performance. He wasn’t wrong. He rarely is.

Forbes posted a 4-2 record and 4.42 ERA this season, but ERA alone doesn’t tell the whole story. He opened the year with 11 strikeouts against No. 7 Texas, notched 13 K’s in a game twice, and earned a summer spot with the USA Collegiate National Team.

He led the nation in strikeouts before a strained hip flexor sidelined him for a few starts — but once healthy, he picked up right where he left off.

All this from a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder who played outfield and hit three homers as a freshman before moving to the mound full-time. Turns out, his future was hiding in plain sight — about 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate.

He's yet another example of the development abilities of McDonnell and pitching coach Roger Williams.

Forbes became Arizona’s second pick of the first round, following high school shortstop Kayson Cunningham at No. 18. Rounds 4 through 20 of the draft continue Monday.