Duke closer Charlie Beilenson goes to the Seattle Mariners in fifth round of 2024 MLB draft

Duke’s second draft pick of the 2024 MLB Draft is closer Charlie Beilenson, who’s headed to the West Coast after getting taken in the fifth round.

Duke’s pitching this past season was supposed to be a high mark for the team as it prepared for another year in the ACC, and when it came down to it, the pitching was incredible for the Blue Devils.

One of those pitchers, ace lefty Johnathan Santucci, was taken by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2024 MLB draft. Another one of Duke’s dynamic arms, closer Charlie Beilenson, came off the board next as Duke’s second pick of the draft during the second day of the draft.

Beilenson is headed to the Seattle Mariners after they selected him with the 154th overall pick in the fifth round.

Beilenson was a crucial part of Duke’s team over his time in Durham and has the accolades to prove it. In just 2024 alone, Charlie Beilenson went 7-3 with 12 saves, posting a 2.01 ERA (14 earned runs across 62.2 innings pitched) with 92 strikeouts for Duke. He finished the year as an ABCA/Rawlings, NCBWA, and Perfect Game First Team All-American. He was also an All-ACC First Team Relief Pitcher, one of seven Blue Devils on the all-conference squads.

His durability was displayed in 2023 as he broke the school record for appearances in a single season at 39.

He routinely put out fires or shut the door on opposing teams. His versatility is truly impressive, as he can be a one-inning closer, a multi-inning middle or long reliever, or a set-up man. In short, he’s as versatile a bullpen weapon as a team can wish for, leaving fans and analysts in awe of his skills.

He doesn’t throw hard, but it’s reasonable to believe that under the eyes of major league pitching instruction, he may be able to maximize his potential and add a few more miles to his fastball.

With the way the Mariners develop pitchers as an organization and value pitching (they lead the American League in ERA, WHIP, and average against), it stands to reason they will know exactly what buttons to push to maximize Beilenson’s talent.