The New York Yankees signed Chris Veach, a South Carolina baseball alumni, to an undrafted free agency contract.
The 2024 MLB Draft has concluded, and three current Gamecocks (catcher Cole Messina, right-handed pitcher Eli Jones, and left-handed pitcher Garrett Gainey), two high school signees (outfielder PJ Morlando and right-handed pitcher Carson Messina), and one junior college signee (left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke) were all selected.
The New York Yankees signed right-handed relief pitcher Chris Veach, the first undrafted Gamecock, to a professional contract Thursday night.
Veach, who relies heavily on his changeup, takes a unique approach to bullpen preparation. His change-up is his strongest pitch, but his fastball and slider have more potential than he showed with the Gamecocks.
Veach, a Columbia native from Chapin and Chapin High School, began his college career as a two-way player with the Presbyterian Blue Hose before transferring to garnet and black for the 2023 season. While he came to Columbia as a pitcher and infielder, he has largely worked as a reliever for the Gamecocks during the last two years.
Chris Veach was a top reliever in the SEC while at South Carolina. He made 46 appearances on the mound for USC, finishing with a 7-3 record and 9 saves, and despite being required to serve a variety of positions out of the bullpen, he maintained an ERA of 3.63 or better in both of his seasons at Carolina. Veach struck out 86 opponents in 70 2/3 innings, allowing only 49 total hits. Veach allowed only 5 home runs while facing 298 opposing hitters.
Chris Veach was a top reliever in the SEC while at South Carolina. He made 46 appearances on the mound for USC, finishing with a 7-3 record and 9 saves, and despite being required to serve a variety of positions out of the bullpen, he maintained an ERA of 3.63 or better in both of his seasons at Carolina. Veach struck out 86 opponents in 70 2/3 innings, allowing only 49 total hits. Veach allowed only 5 home runs while facing 298 opposing hitters.
