Warner selected by Diamondbacks
Devin Warner starred for four seasons with the Cartersville High Purple Hurricanes and was a key ingredient with his travel program, the East Cobb Yankees.
Wednesday, the 6-2, 205-pound switch hitting shortstop was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 30th round of the 2018 MLB draft where most scouting services have him projected as an eventual third baseman.
Warner, who admittedly struggled through portions of his senior year at the plate, returned to form in the Canes’ Class 4A state playoff run. He hit .321 with three doubles and a pair of home runs during that stretch to help lead Cartersville to the state championship series. His defense and hustle never suffered throughout the year and his baseball IQ was constantly evident as well.
The Diamondbacks’ selectee has decided to go the collegiate route, however, and will stick with his commitment to play for Auburn University for at least the next three seasons. Players enrolling at a four-year college must complete three years to regain draft eligibility, unless they reach age 21 before starting their third year of attendance.
The Euharlee resident joins an exclusive group of recent Cartersville High players selected in the MLB draft, including classmate Anthony Seigler who went in Monday’s first round (23rd overall) to the New York Yankees.
Former Hurricane Donavan Tate was selected third overall in 2009 by San Diego. Russ Mitchell (15th rd., 2003, L.A. Dodgers), Stephen Collum (40th rd., 2011, Washington Nationals), Will Startup (5th rd., 2005, Atlanta Braves), Josh Morris (12th rd., 2006, Atlanta Braves), Ronnie Brown (42nd rd., 2000, Seattle Mariners), Jason Tidwell (14th rd., 1992, Florida Marlins), and current minor leaguers Connor Justus (5th rd., 2016, L.A. Angels) and Sam Howard (3rd rd., 2014, Colorado Rockies) are previously drafted Hurricanes. Howard was also previously drafted out of high school, but went to Georgia Southern prior to his 3rd round selection.
Warner told The Daily Tribune News he was comfortable with his decision to move on to Auburn for now.
“It’s a pretty cool feeling, not everybody gets picked in the draft,” said Warner. “I wasn’t selected as high as I wanted, but it will motivate me in college to try to get picked higher next time.”
“I’m really happy for Devin,” said Cartersville High head coach Kyle Tucker. “It was great to see him selected. It’s another great memory added on to an already memorable season. Having two seniors drafted is a great way to cap off the year.”
