Pitcher Kade Strowd, one of five West Virginia juniors taken in the 2019 MLB Draft, will sign with the Baltimore Orioles and forego his final college season. Strowd made the announcement on social media Thursday.
“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been able to wear the WV while playing the game I love. Many memories were made and will always be cherished,” Strowd wrote in an Instagram post. “The people and teammates I have met these past 3 years have made me the person and player I have hoped to become my whole life and I am excited to say that I am living out my lifelong dream of playing professional baseball. Thank you, West Virginia.”
Strowd was selected by Baltimore in the 12th round.
Primarily used as West Virginia’s third starter this season, he went 5-6 with a 4.76 ERA. Strowd picked up a save against Fordham in the first round of the Morgantown Regional.
Oddly enough, his two best performances came against teams sharing the orange-and-black color scheme of his future employer. Strowd helped the Mountaineers to an early-season upset at Oregon State, allowing one hit and no runs in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out a career-high 10 in 7 1/3 innings in a 4-2 win at Oklahoma State.
Teams have until July 6 to sign draft-eligible juniors. Pitcher Nick Snyder, center fielder Brandon White, catcher Chase Illig and pitcher Sam Kessler were also drafted.
Manoah named Howser finalist
WVU pitcher Alek Manoah has been named a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, which will be presented to the top player in college baseball for the 33rd year on June 15. Manoah was drafted 11th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.
Manoah joins Vanderbilt outfielder JJ Bleday, Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman, Navy starting pitcher Noah Song and Cal first baseman Andrew Vaughn as a finalist. Rutschman, a future teammate of Strowd in the Orioles organization, was the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft.
