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Saddleback College Athletics

Former Bobcat drafted by Pirates

Helman drafted by Pirates in the 1t7th Round

An announcement graphic celebrating baseball player Nathan Helman being drafted.
July 14, 2026

The Saddleback baseball program was back in the news this week with the announcement that one of its former players was drafted at the MLB Draft this past weekend.  Former pitcher Nathan Helman was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Helman was a part of both the 2023 and 2024 teams at Saddleback before singing a deal with Kennesaw State University.  During his time at Saddleback, he was 1-0, striking out 21 batters in 12.2 innings of work with a 1.26 WHIP.

While at Kennesaw State, Helman made 38 appearances, finishing 3-1 as a senior this past season.

Helman was drafted by the Pirates in the 17th round with the 498th overall selection on Sunday.  It is the second straight season a former player from the program has been drafted by a major league team.