The White Sox and Seattle University right-handed pitcher Brandon Jenkins agreed to an undrafted free agent deal earlier Saturday morning, per a release issued by the school.
Jenkins, a junior, appeared in eight games and made one start for Seattle this spring. He had a 1-1 record with 14 strikeouts, nine walks, .200 opponent batting average, and 4.00 ERA over the span of 9.0 IP. The Glendora, New Jersey native previously played for Campbell University in 2018, where he went 3-1 with 65 strikeouts over the course of 49.2 innings (14 appearances, 10 starts). There, he led the pitching staff with a .190 opponent batting average.
Before his collegiate career, Jenkins was ranked the No. 3 right-handed pitcher in New Jersey and No. 40 prep arm in the nation by Prep Baseball Report. He was also named the 365th best overall player by Perfect Game. A scouting report from 2017 – keep in mind it’s dated – described the now 6-foot-2, 205 pound hurler as having a fastball that ranged from 87-91 mph, a “tight slider” around 76-77 mph, and a changeup with “late run and fade” that ranged from 80-82 mph. Since then, Prep Baseball Report has his fastball maxed out at 96 mph and Seattle pitching coach Greg Goetz said in an article, “He has one of the best arms on the West Coast with the ability to run his fastball into the upper 90’s.” Based off of the limited information available, it looks like Jenkins will slot in as a bullpen arm down in the minors.
For the White Sox, this is the fourth undrafted free agent to sign this week. Jenkins joins a list that features left-handed pitcher Ty Madrigal, infielder Brandon Bossard, and outfielder Duke Ellis. Again, the organization can sign as many non-drafted players as they’d to a contract worth up to $20,000.
Keep an eye out for future signings and updates over on our social media @SoxOn35th.
Featured Photo: Campbell University Athletics
