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Brendan McKay drafted by the Rays in MLB Draft

Brendan McKay

Two-way college star Brendan McKay will begin his professional career with the Tampa Bay Rays, who selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

In McKay’s three years at Louisville, he’s won the John Olerud Award, which is awarded to college baseball’s top two-way player each season. A first baseman and left-handed pitcher, McKay doesn’t favor one position more than the other, but the Rays prefer him as a position player.

With a smooth left-handed swing, McKay uses all-fields at the plate with average power that could improve if he concentrates exclusively on hitting.

On the mound, McKay has a three-pitch mix, featuring a low-90s fastball, a curveball and an improving changeup, which he spent the off-season refining. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound lefty also has above-average control.

Pro teams are confident McKay can polish his rough edges, whether it’s as a position player or pitcher, once he focuses on one position.

The bonus slot value for the No. 4 overall pick is $12,528,100.

Read my feature article on Brendan McKay here:
—An intriguing two-way player: Brendan McKay

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