The 25-year-old is a right-handed pitcher on the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, working at spot duty as a reliever on the American Association team. After four colleges in six years, this is Thiels' first year of professional ball. And at 7-feet, he is one of the tallest pro baseball players at any level in the history of the game.

The Boston Red Sox have already traded away one key player in Rafael Devers. They could cut ties with an elite pitcher if they fall out of contention.

Oregon State already navigated an adversity-ridden Road to Omaha to get back to the College World Series. What's one more speed bump for the battle-tested Beavers?