Decisions looming for draftees

The West Virginia 2018 baseball season came to an end in the Big 12 tournament following a loss to TCU, but for three Mountaineers an opportunity in the professional ranks await. Last week the MLB Draft concluded and it resulted in one of the best drafts for the school in recent memory.

So. (P) Michael Grove- Los Angeles Dodgers 2nd round

Jr. (2B) Kyle Gray- New York Yankees 14th round

Jr. (SS) Jimmy Galusky- Chicago White Sox, 20th round

Sr. (P) B.J. Myers- Tampa Bay Rays, 35th round

B.J. Myers became the leader in school history in innings pitched this season (241.2 IP) and had a solid four year career giving head coach Randy Mazey a reliable option in the starting rotation. Myers made 30 career starts finishing with a 12-10 record, pitching to a career ERA of 4.25. Myers is almost guaranteed to sign with the Rays given that he has exhausted all of his collegiate eligibility.

As for the other three Mountaineer draftees, there will be a big decision looming for them on whether or not to return to school.

My assumption is that two of the three should be locks to return, that being 2nd baseman Kyle Gray and shortstop Jimmy Galusky. I would expect sophomore pitcher Michael Grove to sign with the Dodgers, especially being drafted that high and has had some injury issues along the way while at WVU.

It would be a risk for him to return, mainly just due to the arm injuries. He can most certainly improve his stock and end up being a first rounder next year, but why not take the money as a 2nd rounder?

Second baseman Kyle Gray led the team with an impressive .374 batting average and belted 14 homers along with 38 RBI. He was certainly the teams most dependable and even clutch hitter, so his decision will play a huge part into the teams success next season. His partner in turning double plays, Jimmy Galusky has appeared in 173 games for the club and has started 171 of those contests. He provides a sure glove and has some pop in his bat that could become vital to his arsenal next season. Two senior middle infielders can go a long way and I’m sure Coach Mazey will be ecstatic to have them back for one more ride.

The team as a whole returns a core of veteran leadership next year in what appears to be a senior-led team. If Grove, Gray and Galusky opt to return to school, it will put the team in contention for the Big 12 title. Now, obviously the Big 12 will be loaded with talent again, but the Mountaineers returning experience could put them in the top three or four in the league.