Astros sign third-round pick Emanuel
Club has signed each of their top-10 draft selections
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today the signing of left-handed pitcher Kent Emanuel, who was selected in the third round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Elias also announced the signing of first baseman Chase McDonald, who was taken in the 13th round. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed. The official announcement was made by Astros Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias.
Emanuel, 21, went 11-5 with a 3.14 ERA (46ER/131.2IP) in 21 games (18 starts) for the University of North Carolina this season. A junior, Emanuel was named the ACC Pitcher of the Year, becoming the third Tar Heel to win the award, joining RHP Alex White (2008) and LHP Andrew Miller (2006). Emanuel posted a 28-10 career record in three seasons at UNC, which marks the most victories by a UNC pitcher in their first three years at the program.
“Kent is a polished left-handed starter with three solid pitches and excellent command,” said Elias. “He has been UNC’s ace the last two seasons and dominated in the ACC, which is one of the nation’s toughest conferences. He’s also very athletic, and we feel there is significant upside remaining with him. He immediately becomes one of our system’s most promising left-handed pitchers, so we are thrilled to have him in the fold.”
The Astros have now signed 31 of their 40 draft picks this season, including all of their top 10 selections