July 13, 2026 • 9:04 PM EDT
Updated 4 days ago
Charlie West just got the phone call every college pitcher dreams about. The lefty from UConn was picked in the seventh round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, slotting in at pick No. 223 overall. If you watched West toss for the Huskies this spring, you know this isn’t some fluke—he’s earned every bit of this shot with the Dodgers.
West, who grew up in South Setauket, New York, didn’t just eat up innings for UConn—he dominated the strike zone. He led the Big East in strikeouts with 111 over this past season, showing he can get batters out with more than just stuff; he’s got command and grit. He made 16 starts in 2026, with a 4.12 ERA over 87.1 innings and finished with a 6-6 record. The highlight reel performance? April 12, when he mowed down a career-high 14 Butler hitters.
According to Yahoo Sports, this pick makes it 21 straight years that at least one UConn player has gotten the MLB draft call. West is now the 80th Husky drafted under coach Jim Penders, who’s built a genuine pro pipeline up in Storrs. Every year but one for 23 seasons, Penders’ squad has sent a player to the pros. That tells you something about both the program and the kind of prospect West is—he’s coming out of a school that develops actual big leaguers.
If you’re tracking betting angles, West’s consistent output at a competitive program means he’s more than just a developmental project for the Dodgers. Out of 10 Huskies drafted in Penders’ time who’ve actually reached the majors, the most recent was Kyler Fedko. West is the 18th UConn arm (or bat) taken in the first ten rounds since 2009, which is a big deal—teams don’t use top-10-round picks on lottery tickets.
West isn’t just hanging his hopes on college numbers, either. He’s been pitching in the Cape Cod League this summer for the Brewster Whitecaps, checking in with a 2.16 ERA over four starts and racking up 26 strikeouts in just 16.2 innings. The Cape is where scouts look for real pro potential, so performing there says a lot about how his game might translate up the ladder.
Adding to the Connecticut-to-LA connection, former Husky Ben Casparius is already in the Dodgers’ system (currently rehabbing an injury). That gives West a familiar face as he heads into the minors—always handy when you’re breaking into pro ball hundreds of miles from home.
Why West’s Selection Matters for UConn and Dodgers Bettors
- West keeps UConn’s MLB pipeline alive, proving the program’s value for developing pro-level talent.
- The Dodgers don’t pick college arms in the top 10 rounds unless they see real upside for the farm system.
- West’s Cape Cod League stats show he can handle higher-level hitters and maintain strikeout rates—a good sign for his jump to pro ball.
- Expect Dodgers minor league affiliates to feature West quickly, as lefties who command the zone usually get fast-tracked if they’re effective.
- The connection with Ben Casparius could ease the transition and provide insights into the Dodgers’ system for West.
Key takeaways for sports bettors and fans
- UConn’s reputation grows as its draft streak extends to 21 years straight.
- West’s strikeout numbers and Cape Cod results point to legit future value in Dodgers prop and futures markets.
- The Dodgers’ draft history with college lefties suggests they’ll try to move West efficiently through the minors.
- West’s 111 K’s in college and 2.16 Cape ERA make him one to watch as minor league odds post later this year.
- Development under Jim Penders at UConn continues to translate into pro opportunities, which bettors should remember come next college baseball season.
- Bettors should monitor West’s minor league progress, as strong early numbers could mean midseason up-arrow movement in the Dodgers system.
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