Two top Miami-Dade high school players choose UM after being drafted by MLB teams
Miami Westminster Christian right-handed pitcher Lazaro Collera wanted a signing bonus of $1.2 million.
Doral Academy center fielder Michael Torres wanted $800,000.
Neither got his price in the three days of the 2024 MLB Draft, which culminated Tuesday with rounds 11 through 20.
Several local players were selected Tuesday: Miami Varela pitcher Edgar Colon (11th round, Reds); former Coconut Creek North Broward
Prep and current Florida State pitcher Yoel Tejeda Jr. (14th round, Nationals); Parkland Marjorie Stoneman Douglas pitcher Jayden Dubanewicz (16th round, Brewers); Plantation American Heritage outfielder Lucas Ramirez, who is the son of former MLB star Manny Ramirez (17th round, Angels); Nova Southeastern University pitcher Frank Elissalt (19th round, Mets); and Miami Dade College third baseman D’Angelo Ortiz (Red Sox, 19th round).
Of those players, the biggest story may be Ortiz. He is going to the organization that his father, David “Big Papi” Ortiz led to World Series titles in 2004, 2007 and 2013.
“It’s pretty sweet,” MDC coach Lazaro
Llanes said. “D’Angelo gets to be in the same organization his dad played for.
“D’Angelo has worked extremely hard. Getting drafted has been his goal since high school, and he did what he needed to do this year to prove he belongs.”
But as much as the
Ortiz selection is a feelgood story, none of the players drafted Tuesday were ranked as highly as Collera and Torres.
Collera, ranked by
MLB.com at No. 123 among all players in this draft, told the Herald that the Phillies called him in the fifth round, offering $500,000.
“Once I turned that down,” Collera said, “it was pretty much known that I wasn’t going to sign as part of this draft.”
Torres, ranked No. 162, told the Herald that he started getting calls in the fourth round, but none of the teams made a firm offer.
The good news for Miami fans is that Collera and Torres are now committed to playing for the Hurricanes, starting with the 2025 season.
Both players expressed a bit of sadness that their pro careers will have to wait.
“In the moment, I had a dream of being selected,” said Collera, a 6-5, 225pounder. “But as soon as that moment passed, I was excited. I can’t wait to step on campus and leave my mark.”
Added Torres: “It’s disappointing I didn’t get the money I wanted, but it’s also a great opportunity to go to the University of Miami.
“This will be a once-ina-lifetime feeling to play in front of my family and friends. I get to have Canes across my chest and then play my cards again in the draft in three years.”
Torres described himself as an “all-around, five-tool player.”
Added Torres: “I’m very aggressive and emotional — a baller. I will bring excitement and, hopefully, another national title to Miami.”
Collera, who wants to major in biology and has a history of nursing in his family, said his best onfield trait is competitiveness.
“No matter how I feel that day, I will give it my best,” Collera said. “I’m not going to let teams walk over me.”
Collera’s fastball sits at 93-94 and tops out at 98, and he also has a sinker, slider and a changeup.
“I love my fastball,” Collera said, “but. my out pitch is the slider.”
Besides Collera and Torres, other well-regarded players who got bypassed in the draft include Miami Westminster Christian shortstop Manny Marin, who will play next season for reigning national champion Tennessee; FIU shortstop
Alex Ulloa; NSU shortstop Ariel Garcia; Miami Christian shortstop Yendy Gonzalez; Miami Christian outfielder Fabio Peralta; and Miami Christian outfielder/first baseman Alejandro Abreut.
Peralta will now play for the Hurricanes; Abreut will compete for Florida Atlantic; and Gonzalez is headed to Miami Dade College.