[ad_1]
Wake Forest, North Carolina –Wake Forest High School shortstop Kahlil Watson was selected by the Miami Marlins with the No.16 pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft on Sunday night.
Watson is Wake County’s most-drafted high school baseball player since Josh Hamilton was drafted first by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999. Holly Springs pitcher Carlos Rodon was drafted third in the draft of 2014, but was drafted into college. Jordyn Adams of Green Hope High School was drafted 17th overall in the high school in the 2018 draft.
Screened as a likely top-five pick for most of the pre-draft process, Watson slipped into the teens with a few other highly touted prospects, but the Marlins had additional financial flexibility with another No. 31 and were able to make Watson a tempting offer.
Watson is an NC state engagement and will have to decide whether to sign a professional contract or go to college.
As a senior this spring, Watson posted a .513 batting average. In 15 games and 39 at bat, he has recorded 24 RBIs and 14 RBIs, including six home runs. He also recorded 15 stolen bases.
Watson helped lead the Cougars to a strong regular season and a second round appearance in the 4A Playoffs.
Watson is a finalist for Baseball Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year at the HighSchoolOT Honors. The winners will be announced during a streaming awards ceremony on July 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Prior to this year, Watson was also an outstanding football player at Wake Forest. He chose not to play football during his senior season.
[ad_2]
Source link