UCLA's Mulivai Levu drafted by Cincinnati Reds

UCLA baseball saw four Bruins selected on day one of the MLB Draft headlined by Roch Cholowsky going No. 1 overall to the Chicago White Sox.

Cholowsky became the third No. 1 overall pick in UCLA history, joining Gerrit Cole (2011) and Chris Chambliss (1970).

Right‑handed pitcher Logan Reddemann was the next Bruin off the board, selected in the second round (No. 38 overall) by the Colorado Rockies.

First baseman Mulivai Levu followed soon after, going to the Cincinnati Reds in Competitive Balance Round B (No. 70 overall). Third baseman Roman Martin rounded out UCLA’s day one quartet, selected by the Athletics with the No. 111 overall pick in the fourth round.

Mulivai Levu emerged as one of UCLA’s most complete and impactful players of the Savage era. Across three seasons, he became a cornerstone of the Bruins’ identity, earning ABCA/Rawlings Gold Gloves in back‑to‑back years, multiple All‑America honors, and a place among the most productive run‑producers in program history. His 2026 campaign cemented him as one of the nation’s premier two‑way first basemen, collecting Second Team NCBWA All‑America, ABCA/Rawlings Third Team All‑America, Perfect Game Third Team All‑America, College Baseball Foundation All‑America Honorable Mention, and First Team All‑Big Ten recognition.

In 2026, Levu delivered a dominant junior season, slashing .340/.441/.622 with 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 82 hits while starting 59 games at first base. He recorded 32 multi‑hit games, anchored the middle of UCLA’s lineup, and became the first Bruin ever to win consecutive ABCA/Rawlings Gold Gloves. His postseason heroics defined UCLA’s run to the Big Ten title, including a walk‑off sacrifice fly against Purdue and a walk‑off three‑run homer against USC, earning him Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.

Levu’s 2025 season was equally impactful. He earned Baseball America Third Team All‑America, Second Team All‑Big Ten, and another Gold Glove after committing just one error in 569 chances (.998). Offensively, he drove in 85 RBIs, the fifth‑most in UCLA history, while hitting .320 with 12 home runs and 87 hits. He started all 66 games, ranked among national leaders in run production, and closed the season on a 10‑game hitting streak that carried into postseason play.