Blanco becomes the Navs’ first-ever player from the University of Virginia, but he is no stranger to the New England scene as a native of nearby Woburn. The 6-foot, 200-pound southpaw enjoyed a great start to his collegiate career, putting up a 2.45 ERA and 26 strikeouts through his first 22 innings and recording his first victory April 25 against Liberty. He allowed six earned runs all season entering the NCAA tournament and only one in his first 10 outings. 

A two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic and three-time Catholic Central League All-Star, Blanco had a perfect 21-0 record with 216 strikeouts and a 0.58 ERA over 134.2 career innings at Austin Prep. Blanco helped Austin finish as undefeated Division 3 state champions in 2022, going 12-0 and earning Boston Globe Player of the Year and League Pitcher of the Year honors.