Saint Louis alumnus and Ewa Beach native Caleb Lomavita was selected by the Washington Nationals in Day 1 of the MLB Draft on Sunday.
Lomavita was selected with the 39th overall selection, the final pick of competitive balance round A. The slot value of the pick is worth $2,395,000.
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Lomavita, who turned down pro interest as a high schooler in 2021, was a two-time first team All-Pac 12 pick at California, as well as a third team All-American by Perfect Game in 2024.
A three-year starter, Lomavita hit .302 with 38 home runs for his collegiate career. A catcher, Lomavita has been lauded by scouts for his arm behind the plate, as well as his hitting ability for the position.
Lomavita is the first MLB Draft Day 1 pick since Hilo High School’s Micah Bello in 2018, who was taken with the 73rd overall pick by the Milwaukee Brewers.