ASU transfer commit Ryan Minckler decides to turn pro, inks contract with Washington Nationals

Minckler was drafted with the No. 560 pick in Round 19 after two seasons with Niagara University. As a redshirt freshman and sophomore, he had a 5.58 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 59 walks in 34 appearances for the Purple Eagles.  Minckler finished 5-11 in 101.2 innings pitched and started 13 games.

Before he arrived at Niagara, he attended Virginia out of high school as he was the second-best pitcher from New Hampshire according to Perfect Game and the third-best player in the state. A native of Thailand, he came to the US when he was a sophomore in high school.

In the summer, he threw 14 innings for the Sanford Mainers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, giving up five earned runs on seven hits and totaling 18 strikeouts.

During his freshman year, Minckler did not see any game time for the Cavaliers before transferring to Niagara. After his second season at Niagara, the 6-foot-3 right-hander decided to transfer again but to ASU. Now that he signed with the Nationals, however, Minckler will turn pro instead of suiting up for the Sun Devils next season.

Minckler becomes the second Arizona State commit to sign in the MLB, joining high school catcher Nick Montgomery. Montgomery agreed to a contract with the Atlanta Braves following him being the No. 161 overall pick in the fifth round of the draft.

ASU outfielder Nick McLain, catcher Ryan Campos and shortstop Steven Ondina all signed with MLB ballclubs after the draft.