Selden Kolkebeck’s perfect senior season received a fitting storybook ending Sunday.
One month after compiling a 12-0 record and helping lead Old Tappan to the NJSIAA Group 3 state championship, the Harrington Park native was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Kolkebeck was chosen with the 14th pick of the round, No. 567 overall.
The right-handed pitcher, who is committed to Columbia University, became the third New Jersey high school player selected in this year’s draft. St. Augustine’s Alex Weingartner was taken by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round (No. 166 overall), while Cranford’s Brayden Fry went to the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round.
Kolkebeck also became the second Old Tappan player drafted during the weekend. Alex Kranzler, a Vanderbilt junior and fellow Knights alumnus, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 17th round.
Kolkebeck is the fourth area player drafted out of high school in as many years. The others are Nicky Becker (2025 – Seattle), Nazier Mule (2022 – Cubs) and Caden Dana (2022 – Angels).
The selection caps a remarkable year for Kolkebeck, whose undefeated season helped propel Old Tappan to a state championship and now has him headed toward professional baseball after one of the most successful campaigns in program history.
It has been a remarkable year for North Jersey’s top pitching prospect. Kolkebeck was virtually untouchable on the mound, compiling a perfect 12-0 record while striking out 126 batters in 78 innings.
He also posted a microscopic 0.72 ERA, issued just 15 walks, threw five shutouts and recorded nine complete games, leading Old Tappan to its first state title since 2008 and second in program history. Kolkebeck reached double figures in strikeouts in 10 of his outings, consistently overpowering opposing lineups throughout the season.
An outstanding student in the classroom, Kolkebeck drew the attention of numerous MLB scouts each time he took the mound and routinely delivered in the spotlight. He possesses an imposing 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and demonstrates advanced poise, command and maturity beyond his years.
His fastball reaches the mid-90s, while his breaking pitches sit in the upper-70s to low-80s with sharp late movement. He also features an effective changeup that keeps hitters off balance.
A total of 16 players with New Jersey ties were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, including four with connections to Bergen County programs. Former Don Bosco Prep standout Eric Becker was the highest Bergen County player taken, going to the Cincinnati Reds in the second round. Former Mahwah star Aidan Teel was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round, while Bergen Catholic alumnus Carsten Sabathia III was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Old Tappan baseball star Selden Kolkebeck drafted by Texas Rangers
