Six Miami baseball players selected in MLB Draft
Six Miami baseball players were selected in Major League Baseball draft that was conducted over the past few days. Five Miami recruits were also selected in the draft.
The Miami baseball team had four pitchers and two position players drafted off of the 2018 team. Five Miami recruits were also drafted. The Hurricanes expect two of those players to sign. The other three are expected to enroll.
Right-handed relief pitcher Frankie Bartow was selected in the 11th round by Washington, right-hander Andrew Cabezas the 18th by Minnesota, left-handed starter Jeb Bargfeldt by Detroit in the 29th round and left-hander Michael Mediavilla by Milwaukee in the 34th.
The Miami baseball position players drafted were outfielder Romy Gonzalez who was selected in the 18th round by the Chicago White Sox as a third baseman and outfielder Danny Reyes who went in the 28th round and will join Bargfeldt in the Tigers organization.
Bartow went 5-0 this season with a 3.12 ERA in 40.1 innings over 23 appearances. Cabezas split his time between the rotation and the bullpen this season. He started the Hurricanes win over Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament.
Cabezas was 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 75 innings in 2018. In his three year collegiate career, Cabezas went 14-8 with a 3.69 ERA and 213 career strikeouts in 192.2 career innings.
Bargfeldt was the ace of the Miami rotation during his two seasons in Coral Gables. For most of that time, he was the Friday night starter. Bargfeldt was 4-5 with a 3.38 ERA in 2018 with two complete games.
Bargfeldt was dominant in 2017. He finished the season 7-3 with 2.28 ERA. He was even better in ACC play. Bargfeldt finished 6-2 with a 1.63 ERA against conference opponents in 2017. He earned second-team All-ACC following the season.
After earning All-American status in 2016, Mediavilla struggled the last two seasons. In his career, the left-hander finished 18-12 with a 3.88 ERA with 225 strikeouts in 232 innings.
Gonzalez has been a versatile performer for the Miami baseball team. After playing the middle infield for most of 2017, he spent most of 2018 in the outfield. Gonzalez led Miami with 30 RBIs this past season. He finished his collegiate career with 16 home runs, 78 RBIs and 35 steals.
Reyes was off to strong start in 2018 before missing half the season with a thumb injury. He led the Hurricanes with a .321 batting average and five home runs in 2018.
Bargfeldt and Mediavilla are both Seniors. Bartow was quoted by the Miami Hurricane as saying he is about 50-50 on whether or not he will return for his Senior season.
"“I’d say it’s 50-50…I have to talk to my parents and the Nationals and make a decision. If this is the end, it has been an honor playing for Miami. My first dream growing up was playing for UM. I just want to thank the coaches, my parents and all the fans.”"
Gonzalez appears to be ready for the next level. He was also quoted by the Hurricane discussing his future.
"“I’m just happy it’s over,…I’m ready to get out there and start balling. To be honest with you, I didn’t go as high as I wanted, but all I need is an opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it for sure….“It has been a great experience playing in my hometown for the University of Miami…There is nothing like having your family and friends out there supporting you every game. I’ve grown as a player and a person, and I can’t thank the coaches and support staff enough.”"
Like Bartow and Gonzalez, Cabezas and Reyes will have decisions to make. It’s not known which way they are leaning.
Miami is also likely to lose two recruits who were drafted high. First-baseman Trinton Casas went 26th overall to the Boston Red Sox (who are managed by Miami baseball alum Alex Cora) and outfielder Brennen Davis went 62nd overall to the Chicago Cubs.
Next: Miami baseball coach Jim Morris retiring
Two top 200 players committed to Miami are expected to play for the Hurricanes. Pitchers Jonathan Gates and Slade Cecconi should be a part of Gino DiMare’s first Freshmen class.