With the 40th pick in the 2019 MLB amateur draft, the Tampa Bay Rays selected Seth Johnson, a junior right-hander from Campbell University.
Johnson began his collegiate career at Louisburg Junior College before transferring to Campbell this season. He started pitching at Louisburg in his sophomore year - when he was a two-way player - and has worked solely as a pitcher with the Fighting Camels. The Concord, N.C., native went undrafted out of high school.
This season, Johnson made 13 appearances (11 starts) for the Big South champion Fighting Camels and ranked fourth in the conference with 77 strikeouts.
Johnson becomes Campbell's highest-ever draft pick, surpassing John Posey, the 44th overall selection in 1986. Only three Campbell alums have ever played in the majors, including current Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins.
Bio
Age: 20
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 196 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Campbell University
Pick value (No. 40): $1,856,700
MLB.com money quote: "As would be expected for a newcomer to the mound, Johnson still needs polish. His loopy curveball and his changeup are less reliable than his slider but can become at least average pitches with more experience. He hasn't dominated so-so competition in the Big South Conference, in part because his control and command need work, but he has the athleticism to make the needed adjustments."
2019 stats (as of May 29)
| IP (G) | ERA | K/BB | K/9 | HR | WHIP | OPP. AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61.0 (13) | 4.72 | 77/30 | 11.36 | 4 | 1.43 | .248 |
