Tag: 2024 MLB draft

Duke outfielder Devin Obee set to enter transfer portal

Duke baseball will need to replace a major two-way player after outfielder Devin Obee opted for the transfer portal.

Chris Pollard and his staff will have a new hole to fill on their roster in the coming months.

Senior outfielder Devin Obee opted for the transfer portal and will leave the Duke baseball team after graduating this summer, according to a Tuesday report from D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers.

His name officially began appearing in the transfer portal database that same day.

The loss is significant for Duke from an on- and off-field perspective, as Obee was a leader amongst the team. As a junior, he was a terrific defender with great instincts and provided some significant power with 16 home runs last year alone. He also batted .309 with 11 doubles and two triples, one of two Blue Devils to reach all four of those numbers in 2024.

Duke has seen many departures from the program this past summer due to graduation, the MLB draft, and other transfers out of the program.

Chase Krewson, a terrific freshman expected to have a significant role in the future, opted to transfer to UCF. At the same time, Ben Miller shocked everyone by announcing his return to the Duke program for one more season. Pitchers Jonathan Santucci, Charlie Beilenson, and others were drafted to the professional ranks this summer.

With Obee on the way out, Duke will need contributions from players who played minor roles or weren’t even on the team last year to supplement guys like Miller, AJ Gracia, Kyle Johnson, and Ben Miller as they attempt to defend their ACC Tournament title and break through to Omaha for the first time in 2025.

EXCLUSIVE: Incoming RHP Jayden Dubanewicz signs with Milwaukee Brewers

Florida survived the 2024 MLB draft mostly unscathed but the Gators won’t be getting Marjory Stoneman Douglas right-hander Jayden Dubanewicz. who signed with Milwaukee just ahead of the deadline.

The 2024 MLB draft was mostly kind to the Florida Gators, but incoming freshman right-hander Jayden Dubanewicz became the second signee to turn pro on Thursday.

Dubanewicz signed a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers worth $665,000 in bonuses, plus a $2,500 contingency bonus that doesn’t count against the pool.

“This is an absolute dream come true,” Dubanewicz said to Gators Wire. “I wouldn’t be anywhere near this (opportunity) without the constant support of my parents and coaches along the way; however, this is just the start!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-I6qfhSl5N/

A dominant high school career

Dubanewicz earned three varsity letters at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and was a key piece of the starting rotation that won two of four straight state championships.

He ends his high school career with a 21-2 record and a 1.31 ERA over 29 appearances (21 starts). Dubanewicz struck out 146 and walked just 31 over 123 complete innings.

His 0.76 career WHIP is a school record (since 2013) — besting current Miami Marlins pitcher Jesus Luzardo and three current/former Gators (Chris Arroyo, Jake Clemente and Christian Rodriguez).

Florida or the pros?

Dubanewicz committed to the University of Florida on July 25, 2022 and had long anticipated playing for the Gators. Major league scouts showed an increased interest in the projectable right-hander as he threw more quality innings over the spring, and he was a scout’s request invite at the FACA All-Star Game.

Still, prying Dubanewicz away from an SEC commitment was no easy task. Things were still “50-50” less than 24 hours from the deadline, but a deal came together overnight. Dubanewicz spent the summer in Gainesville, making the decision that much more difficult.

“It was by far one of the hardest decisions I had to make,” Dubanewicz said of his decision to forgo the college experience. “UF is one of the best, if not the best, programs there is, but I knew I wanted to start my pro career.”

What’s next for Dubanewicz?

With complex league play over, Dubanewicz won’t pitch in the Brewers’ organization until next year. He will still report to rookie ball to get acclimated to his new environment and will continue his development in a fall instructional league.

Dubanewicz features a 91-93 mph fastball that has topped out at 94 mph, a low-80s slider with sweeping action and an 82-84 mph changeup with good run. He is 6-foot-3-inches tall with room to grow and a projectable frame — long arms and legs.

Stoneman Douglas pitching coach Michael Cimilluca described “Duby” as  “a true competitor that goes right at hitters.” He expects the 18-year-old to add velocity as his body matures and puts on more muscle.

A year ago, signing a pro deal was simply a hope for Dubanewicz, who was just stepping into the ace role for one of the nation’s top high school baseball programs. Now that dream is a reality for Dubanewicz, and he’s ready to put in the work needed to move up the chain.

“The Brewers are getting a workhorse,” he said. “I am ready for everything that comes my way, and I am dedicating myself to getting better. I know the Brewers are good at developing starting pitching, which fits perfectly.”

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Top LSU signee Konnor Griffin ultimately signs overslot deal with Pirates

The pipe dream of Konnor Griffin not signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates and somehow ending up in Baton Rouge has come to an end.

The pipe dream of [autotag]Konnor Griffin[/autotag] not signing with the [autotag]Pittsburgh Pirates[/autotag] and somehow ending up in Baton Rouge has come to an end. Griffin has officially signed with the Pirates for $6,532,025.

Griffin was one of the best prep prospects in the 2024 MLB draft and he did not have to wait long to hear his name called. He was picked with the ninth pick of the first round by the same team that took [autotag]Paul Skenes[/autotag] with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.

The slot value for the No. 9 pick in the draft was $6,216,600 but after the Pirates signed every other player they took in the draft, they still had an excess of $315,425 that they could add onto Griffin’s contract.

The Gatorade National high school player of the year will now begin his major league career in rookie ball for the Pirates and hopefully, we will see him playing with Skenes in Pittsburgh one day.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

LSU’s top baseball signee Konnor Griffin remains unsigned after 2024 MLB draft

One of LSU baseball’s top signees in the 2024 recruiting class has yet to sign his pro contract.

One of LSU baseball’s top signees in the 2024 recruiting class has yet to sign his pro contract. The deadline for him to sign is 4 p.m. CT on Thursday.

[autotag]Konnor Griffin[/autotag] is one of the best baseball players in the country, regardless of his just being a high school kid. Griffin signed his letter of intent to play for LSU but no one assumed he would make it to Baton Rouge because he was an early-round pick in the [autotag]2024 MLB draft[/autotag].

Everything played out how people thought it would as Griffin was drafted in the first round by the [autotag]Pittsburgh Pirates[/autotag]. As the No. 9 pick in the draft, the slot value for his pick is $6,216,600. When it comes to high school kids being drafted early, most of the time the team who drafts him will pay over the slot value to get him to sign.

The Pirates may have to do just that to sign Griffin, who remains unsigned at this moment. If Griffin does not sign with the Pirates, he can still go to LSU and the Pirates would get a compensatory pick in the 2025 draft.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

LSU pitcher Nate Ackenhausen signs underslot with the Royals

This is what we refer to as a “senior signing.”

We have talked about slot value until I am blue in the face. We are going to cover it again here with [autotag]Nate Ackenhausen[/autotag]. When it comes to slot value signings, MLB teams will overpay for prep players to try to convince them to skip college and go straight to the minor leagues and they will overpay for high-caliber college arms who still have eligibility.

This signing is on the opposite end of the spectrum. This is what we refer to as a “senior signing” Nasty Nate is a senior who is out of college eligibility. Whoever drafted him had the financial power to sign him and underpay him because he was out of options.

The Royals low-balled Ackenhausen and signed him for $47,500 when the slot value for his pick was $186,200. The extra $138,700 of Nate’s slot value will be used to sign players higher on the Royals board or guys at the end of the draft to get them to change their minds about college.

Either way, congrats to Nate on starting his new journey with Kansas City.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Here’s what Aggies shortstop Ali Camarillo brings back to California for Oakland Athletics

As Biggie Smalls once said, Camarillo is “going going, back back, to Cali Cali.” He grew up in Chula Vista, 500 miles south of the East Bay.

After being selected by the Oakland Athletics with the 346th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Texas A&M junior shortstop Ali Camarillo is returning home to the Golden State.

As iconic rapper Biggie Smalls once said, Camarillo is “going going, back back, to Cali Cali.” Camarillo grew up in Chula Vista, about 500 miles south of the East Bay. However, he’ll likely never play a professional game in Oakland as the franchise will be relocated to Sacramento from 2025 til at least 2027 before the franchise moves to Las Vegas.

While the future remains uncertain, Camarillo brings versatility to the A’s. His defense is smooth and efficient. If Camarillo can produce consistently at the plate, he is comparable to Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Smith.

Camarillo also provides a clutch ability. Beginning with his Little League World Series experience in 2016, to playing in the College World Series for the Aggies this year, Camarillo is built for big moments.

Whether he makes his big league debut in California’s Capitol, Sin City or elsewhere, the Athletics made a great pick in the 12th round.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

LSU pitcher Gage Jump signs for over slot value with Athletics

Gage Jump will officially join Tommy White in Oakland’s organization after signing an overslot deal.

I have mentioned a lot about how the MLB draft differs from the NFL draft and NBA draft. Each draft slot in the MLB has an amount of money tied to that specific draft position.

For [autotag]Gage Jump[/autotag], he was drafted with the 73rd pick of the [autotag]2024 MLB draft[/autotag] in the supplemental round. The slot money for his specific pick was $1,076,900. Jump wound up signing for $2 million. Usually, teams overpay for high school prospects to entice them to sign with them instead of going to college.

In Jump’s case, he still had college eligibility left, so the Oakland Athletics wanted to ensure he would not return to Baton Rouge. They sweetened the pot for him to join their organization and begin in their minor leagues sooner rather than later.

Congratulations to Gage as he gets ready to start the next journey of his baseball career back on the West Coast.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Texas A&M closer Evan Aschenbeck signs his deal with the Chicago Cubs

Evan Aschenbeck’s Texas A&M career as ended

With any good news, bad news may be on the horizon, but that’s just how life works. On Wednesday, Texas A&M baseball head coach Michael Earley received great news ahead of his first season leading the program, as ace pitcher Ryan Prager has opted to return to Aggieland for a final season.

However, just hours later, it was revealed that star closer Evan Aschenbeck, who the Chicago Cubs drafted in the 6th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, did not hear back from the NCAA after applying for a final waiver to return next season and will instead sign his deal with the Cubs as his Texas A&M career comes to a close.

Aschenbeck’s incredible career in College Station culminated in Texas A&M’s first appearance in the College World Series Finals, as the senior lefty finished with ten saves and an NCAA-leading 1.78 ERA while recording 88 strikeouts on the year. Aschenbeck posted his final farewell on X on Wednesday night:

“Aggieland, I am forever grateful for the love I have received over the last two years. After not hearing back from the NCAA about additional eligibility, it’s time for me to pursue my dream of playing professional baseball. I will be back as often as I can, Aggieland is my home.”

Per Instagram, Aschenbeck signed his rookie deal with Chicago.

Congratulations, Evan!

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Florida two-way star signs with Kansas City Royals for $7.5 million

Jac Caglianone signed for $7.5 million with the Kansas City Royals, who made the Florida product the sixth pick in the 2024 MLB draft.

Jac Caglianone, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals, signed with his new team for $7.5 million according to a team announcement.

Caglianone secured a payday slightly above the slot value of $7.21 million.

The former Florida Gators star is expected to serve as a hitting prospect for the Royals, despite his status as a two-way player while in Gainesville. Most believe Caglianone’s upside resides in his prodigious home run power, especially after he blasted 35 home runs as a junior last year – second only to Georgia slugger Charlie Condon in all of college baseball.

While Caglianone runs his fastball up into the high 90’s, lack of control limits his upside on the mound. With the risk of injury – and now a substantial investment by the team – it makes sense for the Royals to allow the first baseman to focus on improving his bat to ball skills so he can provide more than just home run power at the next level.

Calianone was one of nine SEC players picked in the first round of the MLB draft, a banner day for the conference highlighted by Condon, Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith, and Caglianone.

Texas A&M catcher Jackson Appel signs with the Chicago White Sox

Texas A&M catcher Jackson Appel officially joins the Chicago White Sox organization by signing his contract

Another Aggie signed on to live out their lifelong dream when Texas A&M catcher Jackson Appel inked his name to join the Chicago White Sox. Jackson transferred in from Penn, where he was a two-time All-Ivy League Team selection and started all 50 games this junior season.

The Chicago White Sox selected him in the sixth round with the 169th pick. The unique aspect of the MLB draft is that players can remain in college even with name and image and not have to sign if picked. In the likeness licensing era, it makes sense to weigh the option of staying in college longer or hitting the minor league circuit.

Appel came to Aggieland and solidified his spot behind the plate. The catcher plays a quarterback-like role on the baseball field. He took control of this responsibility and earned the team’s trust early. A&M fans appreciate his time in Bryan-College Station and would like to congratulate Jackson Appel on his selection.

 

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.