Columbia's Jack Beck selected by Houston Astros in 13th round of 2026 MLB Draft

For the first time in over a decade, a Columbia Central graduate has been taken in the MLB draft.The Lions' Jack Beck was selected 391st overall in the 13th round by the Houston Astros in the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12. Beck becomes the first Columbia Central player selected in the MLB draft since Heath Slatton, who was picked out of MTSU in the 18th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants.

Beck has signed with Georgia Southern, but ahead of the draft told The Daily Herald, "getting drafted right now is the biggest (goal). Whatever it takes to play pro baseball.”More: Meet the 2026 Tennessee high school baseball all-state teamsBeck shot up draft boards throughout the spring with a dominant campaign at the plate, being named District 12-4A Player of the Year while earning spots on The Daily Herald's All-Area and TSWA's all-state teams.

He batted .413 with 32 RBIs, 10 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs and 25 stolen bases.Upon the conclusion of the season Beck was in constant contact with MLB organizations, attending June's draft combine while also competing in the Appalachian League.

Harrison Campbell covers high school sports and more for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia's Jack Beck selected by Houston Astros in 13th round of 2026 MLB Draft