With the third pick in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft, the Chicago White Sox selected Carlos Rodon out of NC State. This is where the nifty left-handed pitcher began his dream of playing professional baseball.
Rodon started out his career at Holly Springs High School. He was named a third-team high school All-America by Baseball America and the North Carolina High School Player of the Year by the NCHSAA. As a junior, Rodon finished the season 10-1 with a 0.80 ERA and 115 strikeouts. He also threw a no-hitter, two one-hitters and four shutouts. He finished his senior year 11-0 with a 1.40 ERA and 135 strikeouts. Although Rodon was drafted straight out of high school in the 16th round, he chose to play college baseball at NC State.
Rodon enjoyed immediate success as a member of the Wolfpack. He was the first freshman in conference history named ACC Pitcher of the Year. He was also named ACC Freshman of the Year. He was a consensus first-team All-America and Freshman All-American. He set the NC State freshman record with 135 strikeouts, beating the previous record by 50.
He was one of only two undefeated pitchers with nine or more wins in 2012. He was ranked fourth nationally in ERA and tied for third in strikeouts. In Rodon’s debut, he struck out his first three batters against Marshall. Because of his success, he gained a spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.
As a sophomore, Rodon finished 10-3 with a 2.99 ERA, while striking out 184 batters with only 132.1 IP. He set the NC State single season record with 184 strikeouts. Since 2003, only names like David Price, Stephen Strasburg and Trevor Bauer have recorded more strikeouts. He was awarded USA Baseball Player of the Year and named to the All-ACC first team.
After serving a short stint in the minors, Rodon heard his name called and debuted for the White Sox on April 21. He threw for 2 1/3 innings, striking out one and surrendering two runs to the Cleveland Indians. He ended up pitching in 26 games, posting a 9-6 record and a 3.75 ERA. He struck out 139 batters through 139.1 innings. Opposing batters hit just .251 against Rodon in the 2015 season.
Trea Turner was selected as the 13th overall pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft.
The Lake Worth, Florida, product spent his high school years at Park Vista High School. Over his years, he led his team to a 21-9 record. During his junior campaign, he recorded a .379 average and stole 13 bases to earn first-team All-County honors from the Sun Sentinel. Turner was named second-team All-Conference in Palm County’s Central Division. During his senior year, Turner batted .478 with nine doubles, five triples, one home run, 16 RBIs and 25 steals out of 28 attempts.
Turner was drafted in the 20th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but like Rodon, chose to continue his baseball career at NC State.
Turner made an immediate impact with the Wolfpack. As a freshman, he led the nation with 57 of 61 steal attempts. Turner started all 63 games at NC State, where he hit .336 to finish 10th in the ACC, adding five homers and 43 RBIs. He finished sixth in the nation with 72 runs, tying the NC State freshman record. Turner became the sixth player in conference history to steal five bases in a single game.
As a sophomore, Turner saw the same success. He led the Wolfpack in batting average (.368), runs (66), hits (84), triples (four), total bases (126), walks (38), on-base percentage (.455) and stolen bases (30). All of these numbers came despite missing 11 games that year due to an injury. Turner took over as the Wolfpack’s career stolen base leader after only 94 games. Turner also recorded a 13-game hitting streak during his sophomore year. He was selected the Brooks Wallace Award Winner, second-team All-America and All-ACC First Team.
Between the Low and High-A systems of the San Diego Padres, Turner put up a .323/.406/.448 line in 2014. After putting up such strong numbers, the No. 5 overall prospect in the Padres organization by MLB.com was traded to the Washington Nationals.
Turner made his MLB debut Aug. 21. Although Turner struggled early, he slowly began to warm up to the big leagues and finished the season with a .225 batting average, one home run and one RBI.
Both Rodon and Turner will look to continue their on-field success after strong rookie campaigns. Rodon will likely be in the starting rotation throughout the entire season, while Turner may serve as a utility player for him to gain experience and push himself into the starting lineup. Whatever happens, both former Wolfpack baseball players will find themselves with great achievements.
