BOSTON, Mass. – Junior righty Alex Amalfi has become the third player in UMass Boston baseball history to sign a deal with a Major League Baseball organization. Amalfi, who was an undrafted free agent, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier today in Florida.
"Looking back at my career it was always my dream to play professional baseball and I always just wanted the opportunity. But no, I never honestly thought it would happen. I had confidence in myself the whole time but when the opportunity came up, it still took me by surprise," said Amalfi.
Amalfi, who was a red-shirt junior for the Beacons in 2022, was rated as one of the top righty's in New England all season long. As the Beacons ace, the Ashland native posted an ERA of 3.38, while finishing out the campaign with a 1.39 WHIP.
"I am so happy for Alex to have the chance to live his dream of playing professional baseball. He has worked his tail off while being a Beacon and really developed into an elite pitcher. To go from having very few options out of high school to a professional contract in a few years is a testament to his work ethic and how coachable he has been. I am super excited for him and can't wait to see him realize his dream. The Blue Jays organization is getting a great person, player, and teammate, and I am looking forward to watching Alex compete at the next level," added UMass Boston baseball coach Brendan Eygabroat.
The biggest moment in Amalfi's career came in the Little East Conference Tournament, when he set the program record for K's in a game with 18. That game the Beacons bullpen would combine for 22 K's, setting a program record, as well as tying the NCAA record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.
In 12 appearances, Amalfi posted an 8-4 record, and led the Beacons with 56 complete innings of work. He set the program mark for strikeouts in a season in 2022 with 101, which ranked him 15th in D3.
During the summer, Amalfi played in the historic Cape Cod Baseball League as a member of the Orleans Firebird. In his five appearances, the righty combined for 19 strikeouts including a two five-strikeout showings.
"A summer in the cape allowed me to learn from some of the best college baseball players in the country. I took in as much information I could from teammates and coaches. It also gave me a major confidence boost knowing I can compete with these top players," added Amalfi.
Amalfi is now the second player under coach Eygabroat, and third in program history to pen a professional contract. Former outfielder Jamill Moquete, was picked in the 32nd round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, while in 1990 Steve Coffey was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 20th round.
"This next chapter means a lot for me. It's been a dream of mine to get to this point so I'm looking forward to taking advantage of it. Looking forward to these new relationships with teammates, coaches, and other staff. Also looking forward to the training and just getting better overall."