EDWARDSVILLE – SIUE senior pitcher Cole Milam (Waterloo, Illinois) has signed a free agent contact with the Boston Red Sox.
Milam was not drafted after Major League Baseball shortened its draft from 40 rounds in 2019 to just five rounds in 2020.
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"I heard from a few organizations, but Boston showed the most interest," Milam said. "There was a chance they were going to draft me in the fifth round, but free agency opened at 9 (Sunday morning) and Boston was on the phone at 9:15."
Including the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the right-handed reliever made 23 appearances over two seasons for the Cougars. He was 2-4 with six saves while racking up 71 strikeouts in just 38.1 innings of work. He averaged 16.67 strikeouts per nine innings over his two seasons.
"I am really happy for Cole," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said. "I am excited that he is getting an opportunity to continue his baseball career professionally."
Milam came to SIUE after beginning his college career at Jefferson College.
"SIUE helped me to develop as an all-around baseball player," Milam said. "It gave me the opportunity to get innings and to face more hitters. Coaches put me in a position where the team was counting on me."
"Cole embraced the changes that he needed to make in order for this to become a reality," Lyons added. "I am very proud of him."
Milam will begin regular meetings with the Red Sox, and expects to report to Ft. Meyers, Florida when baseball resumes. He is the first Cougar player to sign with a Major League organization since 2018 when Mason McReaken signed with the Atlanta Braves.
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