Jake Meyers forgoes his last year of eligibility to go play for the Astros

With the 391st overall pick in the draft, the Houston Astros selected Jake Meyers. Having one year of eligibility left meant Meyers had a decision to make: finish his career at Nebraska or get started on his pro career. The decision came today as he signed a contract said to make him 125,000 big ones.

Meyers played a total of three years at Nebraska and was a key contributor. Nebraska’s go to left handed Sunday pitcher sported a .297 batting average ranking fourth highest on the team. A third team All-American pick joins his father, Paul Meyers, in becoming a MLB draftee who was taken by San Francisco in 1986.

Jake Meyers leaving wasn’t a huge surprise, but it leaves Nebraska without someone who was poised to be a key leader for the 2018 campaign. Fortunately for Nebraska Luis Alvarado was the only other pitcher who was drafted. He has until July 15th to make his decision, but hopefully Alvarado will stay for his final year and lead Nebraska to a repeat B1G Championship.

Another draft member of note is Nebraska 2017 Baseball commit John Swanda. A RHP out of Des Moines, Iowa was on his way to the promised land when he was drafted in the fourth round by the Angels. The decision came quick for Swanda as he tweeted that he intended to go pro as soon as his name was called. The downfall of going after the best kids sometimes can be that all the time and energy to get them to commit goes down the drain once the draft comes around. Swanda won’t be complaining though with an estimated 470,000 as his signing bonus. Pretty good chunk of change for barely being 18 years old.