In the ninth round of the 2017 draft, the Miami Marlins chose outfielder Cameron Baranek out of Hope International University. Taken 269th overall off the board, the 5’10”, 195 lb. lefty-hitting outfielder turned in a .364/.486/.672 line in 53 NAIA level contests for the Royals. He also stole 20 bases and drew 43 walks against only 32 strikeouts.
It’s been quite a journey, quite a road. I wouldn’t say it’s been the straightest path, but it’s the path I would choose day in and day out over and over again. – Baranek, to Brian Whitehead at OCR
The Miami Marlins were paying attention, and gave Baranek a $125,000 signing bonus to play in their minor league system.