LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Baseball has a number of notable alums who have played baseball at the highest level, today we check in on four former Keydets playing professionally in 2024.
 
Reed Garrett was a key pitcher for VMI in 2014, tossing the first no-hitter in Gray-Minor Stadium history. The Second Team All-Big South recipient was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round in the 2014 MLB Draft, making his debut on March 29, 2019. Today, the right-handed pitcher finds himself with the New York Mets, already claiming a victory on the bump this season with 5.1 innings pitched and nine strikeouts.
 
Josh Winder finished his career at VMI with the top K/9 mark in school history, second in BB/9, tied for third in wins, second in strikeouts, and fourth in both games started and innings pitched. The two-time Second Team All-SoCon became the third-highest draft pick in school history after he was selected in the seventh round by the Minnesota Twins in 2018. Winder made the opening day roster in 2022, making his debut in relief against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12. Winder has a 6-7 all-time regular season record with over 100 innings pitched and 75 strikeouts. He has started the 2024 season on the 60-day IL but looks to make a return to the Twins roster.
 
Nathan Eaton set a new VMI record in 2018, swiping 36 bases that season to rank third in the nation. Eaton's Second Team All-State and All-SoCon honors earned him a spot in the 2018 MLB Draft where he was selected in the 21st round by the Kansas City Royals. Many remember Eaton's 2022 debut when he homered against the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the fourth player in Royals history to homer in his debut. He led the Majors with a 98.1 mph arm strength, which according to Statcast, averages the top 10% of throws for an outfielder, the top 5% of throws for a second baseman/shortstop/ third baseman, and the top 1% for a first baseman. Eaton was invited to 2024 Spring Training where he recorded eight hits and two home runs. He has started the 2024 campaign with AAA affiliate, Omaha Storm Chasers.
 
Zak Kent earned Second Team All-State honors after leading the conference and ranking ninth in the nation with 132 strikeouts on the year, setting a new school record. Kent was selected in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers. He was invited to the 2024 Spring Training where he made three appearances, recording one save. Kent currently throws for the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, the Columbus Clippers.