Tennessee baseball second baseman Max Ferguson signed with the San Diego Padres Monday, the lanky infielder announced on his Instagram.
The Padres selected Ferguson in the fifth round with the 160th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
The Florida native struggled the first half of the 2021 season after earning preseason All American honors. Ferguson came back in a big way in the second half of the season, ending the year hitting .253 with a .378 on-base percentage, 12 home runs and 46 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.
The versatile junior provided one of the most exciting moments of the season, hitting a three-run walk off home run to beat No. 1 Arkansas.
MAX FERGUSON CALLED GAME 🚀@Vol_Baseball takes Game 2 over No. 1 Arkansas! pic.twitter.com/7go7Ao7OSW
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) May 15, 2021
While Ferguson’s bat heated up the second half of the season, it was his defensive prowess that had him selected in the fifth round.
Ferguson possesses elite speed and a strong glove at second base but it’s his versatility that makes him special. As a freshman, Ferguson started at first base while Luc Lipcius was injured. The left handed hitter also played in the outfield in limited opportunities.
The fifth round pick’s signing bonus hasn’t been released yet, but Ferguson’s 160th pick slot value is $324,100.
