FDTC Pitcher Elian Almanzar Selected By Chicago Cubs in 2019 MLB Draft
FLORENCE, S.C. (June 5, 2019) – Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) right-handed pitcher Elian Almanzar was selected by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in the 22nd round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
Almanzar is originally from the Dominican Republic, but he grew up playing high school baseball in Boston, Massachusetts. FDTC discovered Almanzar during a showcase in Fort Myers, Florida in 2018.
“We are really excited about Elian’s opportunity to join the Chicago Cubs organization,” said FDTC head baseball coach, Preston McDonald. “He was a valuable member of our 2019 pitching staff. He is a good young arm with a high ceiling. We are looking forward to tracking his progress as he continues to develop in pro ball.”
The freshman pitcher started nine games for the Tech Stingers this past season and appeared in 10. He finished out 2019 with a 4.73 ERA.
Throughout the 26.2 innings he pitched, Almanzar won four games and struck out 30 batters. He averaged 10.13 strikeouts a game, and he didn’t give up a homerun all season long. Almanzar only allowed 28 hits, 21 runs, 14 earned runs and 26 walks.
Over the past three consecutive years, FDTC pitchers have been selected in the MLB Draft. The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted FDTC’s Trent Autry in 2017, and last year, the New York Yankees drafted Tanner Myatt.
