Russell Wilson Yankees rights, explained: Revisiting the NFL QB's college baseball career, MLB draft pick

As Russell Wilson's time with the Broncos nears an end, the nine-time Pro-Bowler has a few options. While Wilson's tenure in Denver hasn't been a success, there are more than enough quarterback-needy teams around the NFL where he can land on his feet with a starting role. If all else fails, however, there is always baseball.

Wilson was once a two-sport star, playing well enough on the diamond to be selected in the MLB Draft.

Even today, the Yankees still hold Wilson's rights. New York could use the help after its worst season in three decades, but it's tough to imagine Wilson walking through that door.

MORE: Why Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos

Here's what you need to know about Wilson's baseball career, including his college stats and status with the Yankees.

Russell Wilson MLB Draft

While a handful of successful quarterbacks, including Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, have been selected in the MLB Draft, Wilson can say he was drafted higher than just about all of them.

Wilson was chosen by the Rockies in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, coming off the board 140th overall. James Paxton, Eddie Rosario and Sam Dyson were among the major-leaguers drafted in the same round, while Jacob deGrom, Kevin Gausman and Merrill Kelly were among the many major-leaguers drafted later than Wilson in 2010.

Wilson was actually selected in the MLB Draft twice before entering the NFL. He was first chosen by the Orioles in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB Draft before opting to continue his career at NC State.

Russell Wilson traded to Yankees

While Wilson became a star quarterback at Wisconsin and ultimately in Seattle, he stayed on the path of baseball as well. Wilson spent two seasons in the minor leagues with the Rockies before getting selected by the Rangers in the 2013 Rule 5 Draft, which allows teams to pluck unprotected prospects or players from other organizations.

At that point, Wilson was already nearly two seasons into his NFL career. He was just two months away from leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl win, so it was surprising to see his name surface in the Rule 5 Draft.

Still, the Rangers held onto Wilson's rights until Feb. 7, 2018, when the Yankees acquired him from Texas in exchange for cash considerations.

MORE: Revisiting the Russell WIlson-Drew Lock trade

The Yankees didn't land Wilson in hopes that he would resume his baseball career, but New York did want him to appear at spring training and share his knowledge and competitiveness with the players.

Wilson was in on the plan, too. According to ESPN, the Rangers and Yankees spent "several weeks" trying to accommodate Wilson's desire to be a part of the organization. 

Wilson sent a celebratory tweet after the trade was announced, and made appearances at the Yankees' spring training site in Tampa in the weeks that followed.

Thank you Texas...Hello New York.

Always said we’d be a Yankee Pops! #MLB @Yankees https://t.co/aMnmL3SPsZ

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 7, 2018

While he won't see a baseball field anytime soon barring something shocking, the Yankees still own Wilson's rights as he finishes up his 12th NFL season.

What position did Russell Wilson play in baseball?

Wilson played second base during his time at NC State. 

Years after Wilson was drafted, Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt -- then the team's head of scouting -- told the Denver Post that Wilson's defense at second base was "okay" and praised the quarterback's drive and work ethic.

It's common for second basemen to be among the shortest players on the baseball diamond, so at 5-11, it's no surprise that's where Wilson settled in.

Russell Wilson baseball stats

Wilson spent three seasons playing baseball at NC State before transferring to Wisconsin to continue his football career. Here are Wilson's stats with the Wolfpack.

Wilson flashed little power at NC State and wasn't always an everyday player, but he added some defensive value and, by all accounts, had an excellent work ethic on the diamond.

It helped that Wilson's bat came around in his final season, even if the power didn't. Wilson hit .306 with a .929 OPS in 2010, flashing promising on-base ability after a down 2009 season. Wilson also pitched occasionally at NC State, posting a 5.84 ERA across 12.1 innings in 2010.

MORE: Why Sean Payton was frustrated with Russell Wilson during loss to Lions

The results were more mixed when Wilson arrived in the minor leagues with the Rockies organization. Here's a look at Wilson's minor-league baseball stats between 2010 and 2011.

Wilson didn't impress too much with his bat during his brief time in the minors with the Rockies organization, though his full focus was not simply on baseball at the time, as he tried to advance his football career as well.

Even with a poor batting average and very little power, Wilson's on-base ability was enough to push his OPS to a somewhat respectable range. He walked in an impressive 14.8 percent of plate appearances in 2011. For comparison, MLB walk leader Juan Soto walked in 18.6 percent of plate appearances in 2023.