By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

Will Zielinski was sitting in his living room with family by his side watching the picks pass in the 2026 Major League Baseball draft.

He knew there was a chance he could be selected and was certainly hoping to be.

Then, it popped up on the screen: Rd 20, pick 606, Detroit Tigers, Will Zielinski, Vauxhall HS (AB), CAN, P.

Just like that, a dream was realized.

“We were all watching the livestream of it and saw my name pop up,” Zielinski said. “I was just overjoyed, it was a special moment for everyone. I got lots of calls and texts from family members and friends who were happy for me. Growing up it’s something you strive for and to finally get there, it’s an amazing feeling.”

Anyone who knows the Vauxhall Academy Jets, or has seen Zielinski play, might recognize him for what he can do in the batter’s box.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is routinely pencilled into head coach Les McTavish’s lineup in the middle of the order, including at the Road to Okotoks Baseball Canada national championship.

The Tigers, on the other hand, saw the potential on the mound.

Regardless of whether he goes the professional or college route, where he’s committed to the University of California, Santa Barbara, Zielinski is excited to develop as a pitcher.

“Just transitioning to more of a pitching mindset,” Zielinski said of his focus going forward. “Here in this tournament, I’m doing a lot of hitting. In the past I’ve been more of a hitter, but looking forward I think my path will be pitching. Learning what it’s like to be a pitcher.”

McTavish said Zielinski’s development on the pitching front has been impressive to watch.

Seeing players get drafted is nothing new to the academy. Earlier this year, they celebrated graduate Adam Macko (Stony Plain, Alta.) making his major league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.

“He’s diligent about paying attention to details,” McTavish said of Zielinski. “He’s hard working. We’re excited for him and his family. You’re excited for the family to go through that process. Detroit picking him, the sky’s the limit for the kid.”

A lot remains up in the air for Zielinski. He could sign with the Tigers or return to Vauxhall for another year before suiting up for the Gauchos in the fall of 2027.

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If he returns to the academy, McTavish is already planning the next stage of his development.

“Our plan right now, if he comes back to Vauxhall, we’re going to start him,” he said. “He’s always thrown out of the bullpen. When you throw out of the bullpen all of the time, you’re always coming in and trying to hump it as hard as you can. I think starting and learning to pitch, working yourself into trouble, working yourself out of trouble. His goal right now is to focus on his changeup.”

Born in Victoria, B.C., Zielinski made the choice to move away from home at a young age to attend Vauxhall, a decision he says has been great for his growth as a player and person.

“I had a great situation in Victoria, but Vauxhall was an amazing choice for me,” he said. “The commitment to baseball, the coaching, teammates and the environment is unreal. There’s nothing else like it in Canada.”