The minor league baseball season has wrapped up, and while no former NC State baseball members received a September call up, both Carlos Rodon and Trea Turner have cemented themselves as major league mainstays with the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals, respectively.
With that being said, let’s take a look at how some former Wolfpackers performed this season professionally.
Evan Mendoza, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals organization
Even though Mendoza took a step back offensively for the Pack in 2017, his defensive prowess at third base and the offensive potential he showcased back in 2016 as a sophomore made him an 11th-round draft selection this year by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was sent to the New York-Penn League, a short-season league designed for recently drafted college players, and proceeded to do nothing but hit.
The former pitcher-turned-infielder slashed .370/.431/.549 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 182 plate appearances. He was promoted to Single-A Peoria and produced a more modest line of .270/.286/.419 in just 77 plate appearances, but still managed a .896 OPS across both levels.
Andrew Knizner, C, St. Louis Cardinals organization
Another member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Knizner reached Class AA and continued to produce at an above average clip at the plate. Suiting up for both Single-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, Knizner put up an impressive .302/.349/.471 slash line. While questions remain about his ability to stay behind the plate long term, his bat should have him on some prospect lists next season.
Joe Dunand, SS, Miami Marlins organization
The Miami native was the Pack’s highest draft pick this season after getting chosen in the second round by Miami. Dunand, who impressed at State with his power, played in just eight games between rookie ball and Class A this season and hit .370. While some had him tabbed as a third baseman coming out of college, he played all of his games at shortstop. Moving forward, Dunand will have to keep tapping into his impressive power for the shortstop position to develop and move up prospect lists.
Preston Palmeiro, 1B, Baltimore Orioles organization
The son of former major league standout Rafael Palmeiro, Preston was chosen in the seventh round of the 2016 draft by his father’s former team, the Baltimore Orioles. While the younger Palmeiro never showed considerable power in college at NC State, he had a knack for getting on base and displayed solid contact skills. Playing for Single-A Delmarva, he hit just .253 with 13 home runs in 544 plate appearances.
Cody Beckman, P, Milwaukee Brewers organization
After choosing not to sign with the Mets in 2016 after being drafted in the 25th round, Beckman was selected in the 30th round in 2017 and signed with the Brewers. He pitched to a 4.22 ERA and an impressive 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings at the rookie ball level.
Andrew Cosgrove, C, Minnesota Twins organization
After transferring from Santa Barbara City College to NC State, Cosgrove impressed in his lone season with the Wolfpack, cementing himself as the starting catcher and hitting .284 with four home runs in 43 games. He was selected in the 10th round in 2017 by the Twins and sent to the rookie-level Appalachian League and produced just a .604 OPS in 88 plate appearances.
