UConn baseball commit Owen Kellington selected in the fourth round of MLB Draft by Pittsburgh Pirates

UConn baseball commit Owen Kellington, a right-handed pitcher out of U-32 High School in Montpelier, Vermont, was selected in the fourth round (No. 102 overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The recommended signing bonus for his pick is $571,400.

Kellington is the first prep player from the state to be selected since Rayne Supple, who was a 38th-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in 2015. He is also the 15th high schooler ever selected from Vermont and of those players, was the quickest to be picked.

The Pirates have selected a few former Huskies in recent years, including CJ Dandeneau in the 37th round in 2019, Zac Susi in the 12th round in 2018 and Carson Cross in the 24th round in 2013. Pittsburgh also picked Michael Burrows, a UConn commit out of Waterford High School, in the 11th round in 2018.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder has room for projection on his frame and could lead to an increase in the velocity on his fastball, which has reached as high as 93 mph. His curveball also has above-average potential, though his delivery could use some refining. While he did not need a third pitch against weaker competition in Vermont, he will need to develop one for the next level, whether it’s at UConn or with his new team.

Kellington is getting exposure to collegiate hitters early with the Vermont Lake Monsters of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. He has appeared twice, pitching five innings, where he’s scattered one hit and has yet to allow a run, while striking out seven batters against three walks.