MORAGA, Calif. — For the second time following the draft, a Saint Mary's Gael is signing a contract with a Major League Baseball franchise. A five-year favorite of Gaels fans, Ty Madrigal has signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox, joining an organization that has personal ties to both himself and his family.
 
Madrigal struggled out of the gate in 2020, but rebounded nicely in his first season as a full-time starter in the Gaels rotation. Despite putting up a winless record and an earned run average over 4.00, Madrigal struck out 18 in 20.1 innings, and allowed just three runs across his final two starts. His versatility in a pitching staff was evident in his transition to the rotation, moving from the role of a lockdown reliever in 2018. That was when Madrigal began to turn heads, striking out 54 in 47.1 innings and posted a sterling 1.90 earned run average, en route to All-WCC honorable mention honors.
 
"I'm very excited to start my professional career with the White Sox," Madrigal said following the announcement. "I'm grateful for the opportunity they have given me. The White Sox are a tremendous organization with a great background. It's an honor to play at the next level."
 
Madrigal will not be the first player with the last name of Madrigal to earn a spot in the White Sox system, as his brother Nick Madrigal was the fourth-overall pick of White Sox in the 2018 MLB Draft. Nick made it as high as Class A-Advanced during his first pro season (Winston-Salem Dash), but finished the 2019 year in Triple-A with the Charlotte Knights. The up-and-coming second baseman hit .331 for the Knights in 2019 and was in spring training with the White Sox before sports halted in mid-March.
 
"Ty is one of those lefties that can pitch for a long time," head coach Greg Moore said about his veteran left-hander. "I'm excited for him and the White Sox, they got a good one."
 
"Saint Mary's has given me every opportunity to flourish," Madrigal spoke about the Gaels and his experience at Saint Mary's. "Over the years, I have matured a lot as a ballplayer and person. I am very privileged to have played for Coach Moore and Coach Valenzuela. Their guidance and mentorship have greatly influenced my life. I've been blessed to be a part of a winning culture, have great teammates, and an awesome support staff."
 
2020 marked the first time the Gaels did not have a player taken in the MLB draft since 2004, though this was the shortest draft in MLB history at only five rounds. All big league clubs are able to sign players like Madrigal at a maximum of $20,000, per regulations created by the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic that altered the format of the draft.
 
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