Eugene, Ore. - Former Titans outfielder Kellen Strahm was drafted in the 5th round, 145 overall by the Texas Rangers. The 5th round is the highest round pick for a position player (Keynan Middleton was drafted in 2013 in the third round, 95th overall), second highest overall pick for a position player behind outfielder Ken Fox in 1985 who was the 6th round, 137 overall by the Montréal Expos and third highest overall. Strahm transferred and spent the last three seasons at San José State University.
During his first season in San José, Strahm batted .276 over 203 at-bats with six extra-base hits, .384 on-base percentage and 18 stolen bases.
Strahm improved his numbers across the board in 2017, with a .307 average over 228 at-bats, 16 extra-base hits, .400 on-base percentage and nine stolen bases (which coincides with more times starting in scoring position than first base).
This past season Strahm's numbers made their biggest jump, improving his average by 75 points to .382, four fewer extra-base hits but his first six collegiate home runs after playing 13 fewer games than his previous two season's average, 87 point on-base percentage jump to .487 and a return to double digit steals, despite the fewer games and more home runs, with 14.
Strahm is the second former Titan in the Josh Blunt era to be drafted by the Rangers, joining Kyle Keith in 2017 when he was drafted in the 22nd round.
Updated 6-5-19