The Los Angeles Angels pick Chris Cortez from Texas A&M with the No. 45 overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, aiming to bolster their bullpen.
The former Aggie reliever had the Southeastern Conference on high alert with his triple-digit fastball, but he caught the country's attention during the postseason when he mowed down opponents in high-leverage situations.Cortez put together an All-American campaign, throwing 64.2 innings and striking out 102 batters on the year — seven of which came in Game 2 of the Championship Series.
He also kept opponents hitting a lowly .187 against him. He logged a 10-3 record and a 2.78 ERA in 25 appearances. Of his 25 appearances, 19 were for multiple innings and 12 were scoreless. In the postseason, Cortez went 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA in five relief outings. He punched out 29 batters in 15.2 innings of work and held opponents to a .148 batting average.
Cortez spent three seasons in College Station and logged 69 appearances with a 4.67 ERA. The junior totaled 173 strikeouts in 150.1 innings and recorded a .237 batting average against.Angels scouting director Tim McIlvaine told reporters Cortez is expected to start as a professional despite his success as a relief pitcher in college.No. 74 overall pick Ryan Johnson is also expected to remain a starter.
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