GAINESVILLE, Fla.—University of Florida shortstop
Brady McConnell was selected 44th overall in the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft on Monday night.
Â
After battling injury as a freshman in 2018, McConnell stepped into a starring role in the Gators' lineup this year. The Merritt Island native started 59 games at shortstop and hit .332 with 48 RBI.
Â
McConnell led the team with 15 home runs on the year, setting a new school record for home runs by a shortstop (previously Mark Ellis, 14 in 1998). In SEC play, McConnell led the team with a .299 average, 11 home runs and 26 RBI.
Â
Only a sophomore, McConnell is draft eligible because he turned 21 in May. He joins recent Gators
Brady Singer and
Jackson Kowar in the Royals organization.
Â
GATORS IN 2019 MLB DRAFT
Player, Team, Round (Pick)
Brady McConnell, Kansas City Royals, 2nd (44)
