The Milwaukee Brewers today announced the signing of first-round draft selection, outfielder Corey Ray (fifth overall) from the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. The announcement was made by Vice President of Amateur Scouting and Special Assistant to the General Manager Ray Montgomery. Corey Ray is scheduled to take batting practice at 12:40 p.m. and will be introduced at a press conference in the media interview room at 1:30 p.m. today.
Ray, who recently completed his junior season at the University of Louisville, batted .310 with 55 runs, 16 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, 60 RBI and 44 stolen bases in 64 games. He compiled a .388 on-base percentage and a .545 slugging percentage this season. Ray was previously drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 33rd round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Simeon Career Academy, but chose to enroll in college instead. The left-handed hitter was scouted by Area Scout Jeff Simpson.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ray, 21, participated in the Jackie Robinson West Little League and the Chicago White Sox Amateur City Elite program growing up. During his tenure at Louisville, he was named 2015 Baseball America Second Team All-America, 2015 NCBWA Second Team All-America, 2015 D1 Baseball Third Team All-America and to the 2015 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. In addition, he was a 2015 All-ACC First Team selection and a member of the 2014 Louisville Regional All-Tournament Team.
In addition, the Brewers have signed the following draft selections: LHP Daniel Brown (7thround, Mississippi State University), 1B Ronnie Gideon (23rd round, Texas A&M University) and RHP Michael Gonzalez (24th round, Norwalk High School, CT). The Brewers have now signed each of their first 11 draft selections and 29 players from the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. Additionally, the team has signed RHP Jeremy Newton (non-drafted) from the University of British Columbia.