Hurricanes shortstop Dominic Pitelli becomes sixth Miami player picked in MLB draft

Another Hurricane is off the board in this year’s MLB draft.

The Cincinnati Reds picked Miami shortstop Dominic Pitelli in the seventh round with the 198th pick on Monday. 

Pitelli is the sixth Hurricane to be picked in this year’s draft. The Washington Nationals selected third baseman Yohandy Morales, the Cleveland Guardians picked closer Andrew Walters and first baseman C.J. Kayfus, the St. Louis Cardinals picked outfielder Zach Levenson and Texas Rangers picked pitcher Alejandro Rosario.

The bonus slot value for the 198th pick is $271,600.

Miami also had six players picked in last year’s MLB draft (pitchers Carson Palmquist, Alex McFarlane, Jake Garland and Walters as well as catcher Maxwell Romero Jr. and outfielder Jacob Burke).

Pitelli, a Doral Academy alum, grew into a quality hitter during his three seasons at UM. As a freshman, Pitelli hit .219 with a .608 OPS and four home runs.

In Pitelli’s third season with the Hurricanes, he raised his batting average to .294 and hit 13 home runs with a .905 OPS. Pitelli also stole 10 bases last season.