Second-round Draft pick Varga signs deal
High school standout had committed to University of North Carolina
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have signed second-round Draft pick Cameron Varga, whom they selected with the 60th overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-hander, who attended Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in Ohio and had committed to the University of North Carolina, set a national high school record by striking out 33 consecutive batters, which broke the previous record of 22 set in 1973.
Varga, 19, was named the 2014 Gatorade Ohio Baseball Player of the Year after going 10-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 126 strikeouts and five walks. He throws a 90-95 mph fastball with good life and an easy delivery, and his curveball and changeup are said to have potential.
"Well-built strong right-handed pitcher out of the Cincinnati area," Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said of Varga after the Rays announced their selection. "Power fastball, power breaking ball, an advanced ability to pitch. Just a good young power pitching prospect."