BYU Pitcher Justin Sterner Signs Free Agent Deal With Miami Marlins
Jul 31, 2020, 11:35 AM | Updated: 11:36 am
BYU pitcher Justin Sterner has signed a free agent contract with the Miami Marlins. (Photo courtesy of BYU Photo/Jaren Wilkey)
(Photo courtesy of BYU Photo/Jaren Wilkey)
PROVO, Utah – BYU baseball’s No. 1 pitcher Justin Sterner has signed a free agent contract with the Miami Marlins.
The opening day pitcher for BYU in the shortened 2020 season, Sterner wrote on social media, “I have so many people to thank especially my family and coaches at BYU for giving me a chance to prove what I can do. I’m so grateful for my time at BYU. I’m so excited I get to keep playing the game that I love.”
I’ve officially signed a free agent deal with the Miami Marlins. I have so many people to thank especially my family and coaches at BYU for giving me a chance to prove what I can do. I’m so grateful for my time at BYU. I’m so excited I get to keep playing the game that I love. pic.twitter.com/mAO8OePKk5
— Justin Sterner (@JjSterner) July 31, 2020
This signing comes at a time where the Marlins have been ravaged by positive COVID-19 cases. As of Friday afternoon, the Marlins have 18 total players who have tested positive for COVID-19.
In four appearances in 2020, Justin Sterner had a 2.53 ERA and struck out 24 batters in 21 innings pitched. Sterner played three years at BYU after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Apia, Samoa and in those three seasons he posted the fourth-best all-time career earned run average of 2.86.
Congrats to @JjSterner on signing with the @Marlins!! pic.twitter.com/8By12DXZ1l
— BYU Baseball (@BYUBaseball) July 31, 2020
BYU baseball coach Mike Littlewood said in a press release, “I couldn’t be happier that Justin has this opportunity. He’s been a great leader for us the past few years and the anchor of our staff. He’s done nothing but get better and better every day and I know he’ll be great at the next level.”
Sterner joins teammate and pitcher Jarod Lessar as the second BYU player to sign a free agent contract with a MLB team. Lessar signed with the New York Yankees last month.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
