Dodgers Draft Arkansas Stars Zach Root and Charles Davalan

The Los Angeles Dodgers made an impactful move during the MLB draft, selecting two standout players from the University of Arkansas with consecutive picks at Nos. 40 and 41 overall. The team chose left-handed pitcher Zach Root at No. 40 and contact-hitting outfielder Charles Davalan at No. 41, both of whom were integral to Arkansas’ success this past season.

Root, a junior, transferred to Arkansas from East Carolina and showcased impressive performance metrics, including a 3.62 earned run average and a remarkable 126 strikeouts over 99.1 innings. His pitch repertoire, which consists of a slider, curveball, and changeup delivered from a unique low arm slot, has drawn significant attention from scouts. The Dodgers secured the No. 41 pick as part of a trade that sent Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds, marking the first time since 2019 that the team made two top-50 selections.

Davalan, a sophomore, also transferred to Arkansas after a season at Florida Gulf Coast. He posted an impressive batting average of .346, with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs, while also demonstrating an ability to draw walks, accumulating 35 walks against 27 strikeouts. Both players contributed to an Arkansas team that achieved a remarkable milestone of 50 wins and reached the College World Series.

Pathways to the Dodgers

Root, originally from Fort Myers, Florida, was ranked as the No. 31 recruit in the state by Perfect Game coming out of high school. His journey began at East Carolina, where he compiled a 9-5 record and a 4.43 ERA over two seasons. After transferring and thriving at Arkansas, he earned first-team All-SEC honors and received multiple All-American recognitions. Root’s admiration for the Dodgers stems from his childhood, where he idolized left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

“Growing up, my dad always made me watch Kershaw and learn to pitch like him,” Root stated. “I’ve just been watching Dodger baseball ever since I can remember.”

Davalan’s route to the Dodgers was more unconventional. A former hockey player from Quebec, Canada, he moved to Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue baseball full-time in a specialized high school. “With COVID, a lot got shut down in Canada,” Davalan explained. “So I decided to live in Florida, where there weren’t restrictions, and you could play year-round.”

Despite being listed at only 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, Davalan impressed at Florida Gulf Coast University, leading to his transfer to Arkansas. His teammate, Root, praised Davalan’s skills, calling him “one of the best hitters in the draft class” and expressed excitement about the Dodgers’ decision to draft him.

Building a Future Together

Davalan reciprocated the praise, describing Root as “kind of an old-school pitcher” who effectively fills the strike zone while still being able to secure strikeouts when necessary. He described his own playing style as competitive and hardworking, values he hopes to bring to the Dodgers organization.

“I like to win. I like to play hard,” Davalan remarked. “I’m sure knowing the organization, it’s filled with players like that, so I’m super excited to meet new people.”

Their camaraderie from Arkansas will continue in their new roles with the Dodgers, with Root highlighting Davalan’s friendship. “He’s one of my best friends because of Arkansas,” Root shared.

As the Dodgers look to build their future, the selections of Root and Davalan signify a strategic investment in talent that reflects both skill and a shared commitment to excellence. With both players poised to make an impact, the Dodgers fans can anticipate an exciting new chapter in the team’s history.