(Saint Petersburg) Drafted in the second round of the last major baseball draft, Quebecer Émilien Pitre signed his first professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
He received a signing bonus of US$1.52 million (CAN$1.1 million).
Pitre, who was the 58e overall selection, played the last three seasons with the University of Kentucky, in the NCAA. Originally from Repentigny, he plays second base.
This year, the 21-year-old has maintained a batting average of .301 and a fielding average of .420. He has hit 10 home runs, driven in 58 runs and scored 57 in 62 games. He has also stolen 26 bases.
Pitre helped his team claim the third-best record in the Southeastern Division at 46-16, thanks in part to his defensive play. He was selected to his division’s all-defensive team.
Pitre is the third player drafted by the Rays this year to receive a contract.
Heading into Tuesday’s major league action, the Rays were fourth in the American League East with a 50-50 record, ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays (45-54). The two teams are scheduled to meet Tuesday night.