Former San Marcos High star Cole Schoenwetter officially signed with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday after he was drafted in the 4th Round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs throughout the last couple of years and to finally become a professional it’s something very special,” Schoenwetter said. “I’m very thankful for my family and all the coaches that have helped me get to this point.”
Schoenwetter inked a deal that included a $1.9 million signing bonus after being the 105th name off the board in the draft. The righthander was committed to UC Santa Barbara but with the signing, he will make the jump straight to the professional ranks in the minor leagues.
“Yes, I would have liked to go on day one but to be able to financially help my family it’s great,” Schoenwetter said of his signing bonus. “I think they believe in me and that’s why they gave me a large amount of money.”
The pitcher is coming off a dominant season at San Marcos where he led his team to its third straight Channel League title and the first CIF Southern Section championship game in program history.
He boasted a 0.91 ERA to go along with 108 strikeouts in 61 â…” innings pitched while holding opposing batters to a .101 batting average.
Those numbers gave him the honor of Channel League Co-MVP as well as a spot on the All-CIF-SS Division 3 Team and the All-State team by CalHiSports.com.
The 6-foot-3 starter has a pitch mix that includes a fastball in the mid-90s, a spike curveball with lots of movement and a fading changeup.
“I’m most excited for the journey and hopefully being able to play in a big league stadium one day and help the Reds win,” Schoenwetter said. “I’m also looking forward to hopefully being a role model for the younger generation, showing kids that if you stay disciplined and keep working hard, you can achieve any goals possible.”
