Two former Valley Leaguers have signed with Major League organizations for 2021:

  • Jacob Wilson (Luray 2009) is returning to play ball in the states, signing a contract with the Oakland A’s. He last played in 2019 in Korea, for Lotte, and hit .251/.351/.433 in 231 at-bats with 15 doubles and nine home runs for the Giants. (This was after hitting .310/.404/.609 for Fresno in the Pacific Coast League in 197 at-bats.) Now 30, Wilson will hopefully get a shot with the big-league club in 2021. (Thanks to Gerald Harman for the heads-up on this one.)
  • Zach Mort (Front Royal 2016) has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. From George Mason, Mort was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round in 2018. He went 9-9, 3.89, with a 1.273 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9, and 7.2 K/9 in 134 innings in his two minor league seasons, until the Cubs bounced him in May of 2020. Now he gets a second chance with the Brewers, and early reports show that his fastball is up to 95-96 mph, which tends to be a good sign. (Thanks to Front Royal for the heads-up.)

If there are others out there that ATVL has missed, drop a line!

  • LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 14: Jacob Wilson (4) of the Fresno Grizzlies hits a home run during a regular season game between the Fresno Grizzlies and the Las Vegas Aviators on April 14, 2019 at Las Vegas Ballpark in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)