The Los Angeles Angels selected Brendan Tinsman, of Cape Elizabeth, in the 20th round of the Major League Draft on Tuesday. Tinsman recently finished his junior season with at Wake Forest. Scott Kinser photo/Courtesy of Wake Forest athletics
Brendan Tinsman had to wait longer than expected but a childhood dream was realized when he was selected in the 20th and final round of the Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday by the Los Angeles Angels.
“It was a long wait today. I didn’t think it would be as long a wait,” said Tinsman, of Cape Elizabeth. “It was a great feeling hearing your name go across the board. I’ve dreamed of that for as long as I can remember.”
Brendan Tinsman
Tinsman, 22, was a standout four-year starter at Cape Elizabeth High and was the Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year as a senior in 2018.
He had a breakout season as Wake Forest’s everyday catcher this past season. As a fourth-year junior with the Demon Deacons, Tinsman hit .355 with a school record-tying 24 homers. He also stroked 15 doubles and drove in 69 runs, starting in 59 of Wake’s 61 games as they went 41-19-1 and qualified for the NCAA tournament.
That production earned Tinsman third-team All-America honors and placed him among the 16 semifinalists for the Buster Posey Award, given to the top collegiate catcher.
Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter told the Press Herald in May that Tinsman was having an “all-American season,” and that he expected him to be drafted.
“Without question he’s a pro player in my opinion,” Walter said of his sturdy 6-foot-2 catcher. “He’s a physical catcher, he can hit with power. I think he can be drafted in the top 10 rounds. I think that’s a likelihood.”
In the weeks leading up to the draft, Tinsman said he spoke with “probably 15 to 20 teams,” about the draft and his intention to sign a professional contract and forego an available fifth year of eligibility at Wake Forest.
“That’s why I thought I would be drafted earlier and I guess there were different players available,” Tinsman said.
Tinsman was the 45th catcher selected in the draft, despite throwing out nearly 38 percent of would-be base stealers to go with his proven power.
“I did not count how many catchers. I know there was a lot,” Tinsman said. “I guess I’m just flying under the radar. You would think (hitting) almost .360 with 24 home runs would get you some recognition.”
Just before the selection, the Angels’ area scout called Tinsman to check on whether he would sign a pro contract.
“I told them I was ready to sign and he said someone else will be in contact with me to discuss numbers,” Tinsman said.
Each MLB team is assigned a bonus pool allotment for signing bonuses for their picks in the first 10 rounds. Players taken in rounds 11-20 do not count against the bonus pool unless they sign for more than $125,000, with only the money above $125,000 counting against a team’s bonus pool.
In a story on the Wake Forest Athletics website, Walter said Tinsman was a “steal” for the Angels.
“Tinny had one of the greatest seasons in school history,” Walter said. “Throwing out nearly 40 percent of would-be base stealers and leading a really good offense in home runs and second in RBIs while catching 59 games in 15 weeks is beyond impressive. He is going to be the steal of the draft for the Angels.”
The Angels’ bonus pool of $7,024,000 ranks 23rd of 30 MLB teams. In 2021, reported 20th round MLB signing bonuses ranged from $10,000 to $300,000, according to Baseball America. Several 20th round picks signed for $125,000.
“I think all that matters now is I go into that organization and I have to perform and prove myself,” Tinsman said. “Once you’re past about the fifth round the (difference) in money doesn’t really matter.”
GREELY HIGH SENIOR Zach Johnston was not selected in the major league draft, though he had been scouted by several MLB teams during a 10-0 season when he did not allow an earned run. Johnston, a 6-foot-4 left-handed pitcher has committed to Wake Forest.
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