ARLINGTON, Texas – Former UCF right-handed pitcher Najer Victor was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 14th round of the 2024 MLB Draft on Tuesday.
Victor, who played his junior and senior seasons for the Knights, was taken as the 412th pick of the draft. The hard-throwing right-handed reliever becomes UCF’s 125st player drafted in program history and the 10th selected by the Angels.
Named to the Preseason NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List prior to the 2024 season, Victor limited opposing hitters to just a .179 average this spring. He struck out 30 batters in 24.1 innings of work and finished the year with a 5.55 ERA. He went on to toss 11 scoreless outings on the year. He was also tabbed a team captain during the 2024 campaign and capped his collegiate career by earning 2024 Spring Academic All-Big 12 Team honors.
During his junior year, Victor went 3-1 with a team-leading 2.88 ERA. He also struck out 50 hitters in 34.1 innings while limiting opposing batters to a .218 clip. The righty registered 14 no-hit innings over seven appearances in 2023.
Victor started his collegiate career at Florida Gulf Coast where he earned ASUN Pitcher of the Week accolades during his sophomore year. That season, he went a perfect 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA and struck out 44 batters in 37.1 innings. He also limited opposing hitters to a .198 average. During his freshman season, the RHP made 15 appearances and tallied 25 strikeouts in 19.1 innings pitched.
Victor is a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands and prepped at East Ridge High School in nearby Clermont, Florida.
UCF Knights ➡️ Los Angeles Angels
— UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) July 16, 2024
Congrats to @NajerVictor21 for getting drafted by the @Angels 👏 pic.twitter.com/txopZGAnYI