Alberto Rios drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2023 MLB Draft

The Pac-12 Player of the Year was selected in the third round

One of the best stories in the college baseball season was Stanford's Alberto Rios.

After coming to Stanford as a catcher, Rios never really saw the field in his first couple seasons in Palo Alto. He totaled just seven at-bats in his first two seasons and dint record a single hit. However, he waited his turn and worked his way into the starting lineup for 2023 where he absolutely exploded. His strong performance in 2023 helped Stanford win the Pac-12, and also clinch their third straight trip to Omaha.

While Rios' patience paid off at Stanford, it also paid off for his career. On Monday it was revealed that he was drafted in the third round with the No. 79 pick by the Los Angeles Angels. 

The Bay ➡️ LA@arioos19 is headed to the @Angels!#GoStanford | #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/UeKZS0TSws

— Stanford Baseball (@StanfordBSB) July 10, 2023

Rios was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year, and batted an impressive .384 with 18 home runs and 73 RBIs. He joins Tommy Troy as the first two Cardinal to be drafted in the 2023 MLB Draft.