UC San Diego junior Kyle Goodbrand has signed a professional contract with Major’s League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, the university announced Monday.
Goodbrand, a Mission Viejo native, will forgo his final year as a pitcher on the Triton’s baseball team next spring.
He was the Rays’ 36th-round selection and signed the contract last Wednesday. He is currently in Port Charlotte, Fla., at Tampa Bay’s spring training facility, where he made his pro debut Monday with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
Goodbrand attended Arizona State University, Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College prior to his arrival in La Jolla last fall.
“My time as a Triton was short, but I can honestly say it was the most fun I had throughout my college career,” said Goodbrand. “Everyone, from the coaching staff to the players, made my experience unforgettable, and I will always be a part of the Triton family!”
He said he “couldn’t be more excited” about joining the Rays and looked forward to a future in professional baseball.