MM 7.14: Two Maryland baseball players selected in 2021 MLB Draft

This is the Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.

The 2021 MLB Draft concluded Tuesday evening and Maryland baseball was well represented. Maryland had a loaded roster this past season that produced one of its more successful seasons in years, which saw the Terps make the NCAA Tournament and the regional final, where East Carolina University defeated them.

So, it was no surprise two Terps were selected throughout the 20 rounds over the last few days. The first Terp off the board was Right-Hand Pitcher Sean Burke who was selected in the third round at 94th overall by the Chicago White Sox. He is the highest Maryland draftee since Brandon Lowe was selected 87th overall by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Burke was the Terps go-to ace all season and put up dominant numbers in an abbreviated 2021 season. As a redshirt freshman Burke posted a 1.99 ERA and had 35 strikeouts in just four appearances.

This past year, Burke held opponents to a .178 batting average against and recorded 107 punch outs, good for second most in the Big Ten and sixth most in program history.

The next Terp selected was Benjamin Cowles who landed in the 10th round and the 303rd overall pick to the New York Yankees. Cowles put together an incredible season at the plate. The junior shortstop was named a Third Team All-American by Baseball America and awarded First Team All-Big Ten. Cowles led the Big Ten in home runs with 18 and ranked second in RBIs while raking in a .632 slugging percentage.

Both Cowles and Burke have eligibility remaining and can return to college next season if they want. If Burke decides to sign with the White Sox, his expected signing bonus will be around $618,000, according to sportingnews.com.

In Other News

Kelly Hovland was named the women’s golf coach this week and is ready to get started.

Three-star wide reciever Kobe Prentice announced his decommitment from Maryland football.

College basketball reporter Andy Katz had high praise for Maryland basketball’s backcourt duo.

Maryland women’s lacrosse incoming freshman Demma Hall earned Player of the Year honors in her hometown.

Incoming Maryland women’s basketball freshman Emma Chardon impressed for Team Switzerland on the world stage.