Queensland pitcher inks deal with Texas Rangers

Queensland pitcher inks deal with Texas Rangers
03/10/2020
Queenslander Kai-Noa Wynyard has become the latest young Australian to sign with an MLB organisation after inking a deal with Texas on Friday.

The 18-year-old pitcher is a product of the Redcliffe Padres and has represented both Queensland and Boral Team Australia during his junior years.

Wynyard was part of Australia’s fourth-place finish at last year’s WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in South Korea.

He pitched in two games, working a scoreless inning and striking out two in a 13-2 win against China.

Wynyard also represented Australia in its Yomiuri Cup debut in 2017.

The right-hander has represented Queensland at four Australian Youth Championships.

In January he tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings during Queensland’s run to the U18 final.

He struck out four and allowed only two hits in 2 2/3 innings as Queensland secured its spot in the final with a win over Western Australia in its penultimate game of the opening round.

Rangers’ Australian scout Ben Moore had been tracking Wynyard for more than two years after first identifying him at shortstop.

Wynyard made 14 pitching appearances, including six as a starter, with Redcliffe last Greater Brisbane League season.

He went 3-1 with and ERA of 3.24, striking out 50 in 41 2/3 innings.

Wynyard limited opposition hitters to a .222 batting average.

He is the third member of Australia’s 2019 U-18 World Cup roster to sign professionally since the tournament.

Brandan Bidois and Solomon Maguire (Pittsburgh) and Jake Burns (St. Louis) have also been signed since.

Catcher Chris Burke signed with Philadelphia before the World Cup.

More to come.

From baseball.com.au.