Three area natives came off the board Wednesday during the final day of the Major League Baseball draft, although at least one has no plans on turning pro.

Lake Charles native Gunner Leger was drafted in the 26th round by the Miami Marlins. 

Before being picked, Leger announced via Twitter that he had informed MLB teams that he planned on returning to school.

“The opportunities that presented themselves in the 7th, 8th and 9th round of the draft were not worth another year in front of 5,000 at the Tigue,” read the statement. “All MLB teams were informed of my decision early (Wednesday). I am excited for the future of our team and am looking forward to wearing the red and black again!”

After being picked, Leger reaffirmed his plans to return to school in another Twitter post.

As a junior, Leger was named Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year after going 10-2 with a 1.97 ERA, allowing 90 baserunners in 91 innings pitched. He became the first Raging Cajun to be named a semifinalist for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation’s most valuable college player.

Leger’s teammate, Jennings native Evan Guillory, was picked by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 23rd round. As a junior pitcher at UL-Lafayette, Guillory went 4-3 with a 3.57 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched. 

Kameron Esthay, a Sam Houston graduate, was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 26th round. As a redshirt junior first baseman/outfielder at Baylor, Esthay hit .283 with 9 home runs and 35 runs batted in. Esthay is a two-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for academic achievement.

Also announcing plans to skip the pros was highly decorated outfielder Daniel Cabrera of Parkview Baptist in Baton Rouge. Despite entering the draft as the No. 55 prospect according to mlb.com, Cabrera was not picked until the 26th round by the San Diego Padres.

After being picked, Cabrera tweeted that he planned on playing college ball at LSU.