Maldonado Selected by Chicago Cubs in 2019 MLB Draft
Wednesday, June 5, 2019 | Baseball
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—University of Florida senior captain Nelson Maldonado was selected in the 21st round of the 2019 Major League Draft on Wednesday afternoon.
The Tampa native was a four-year starter for the Gators and finished with a .292 batting average, 31 home runs and 149 RBI. His 258 games played and 246 games started each rank in the top four all-time in Florida baseball history.
As a senior, Maldonado had a career-best year – leading the team with a .343 average with a career-high 10 home runs.
With four selections in 2019, Florida now has a total of 88 players chosen in the MLB Draft under head coach Kevin O'Sullivan.
Maldonado is the first Gators player drafted by the Cubs since outfielder Brian Leclerc in 2007.
GATORS IN 2019 MLB DRAFT
Player – Team, Round (Overall Pick)
Brady McConnell – Kansas City Royals, 2nd (44)
Tyler Dyson – Washington Nationals, 5th (153)
Wil Dalton – Boston Red Sox, 8th (257)
Nelson Maldonado – Chicago Cubs, 21st (642)
The Tampa native was a four-year starter for the Gators and finished with a .292 batting average, 31 home runs and 149 RBI. His 258 games played and 246 games started each rank in the top four all-time in Florida baseball history.
As a senior, Maldonado had a career-best year – leading the team with a .343 average with a career-high 10 home runs.
With four selections in 2019, Florida now has a total of 88 players chosen in the MLB Draft under head coach Kevin O'Sullivan.
Maldonado is the first Gators player drafted by the Cubs since outfielder Brian Leclerc in 2007.
GATORS IN 2019 MLB DRAFT
Player – Team, Round (Overall Pick)
Brady McConnell – Kansas City Royals, 2nd (44)
Tyler Dyson – Washington Nationals, 5th (153)
Wil Dalton – Boston Red Sox, 8th (257)
Nelson Maldonado – Chicago Cubs, 21st (642)
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