South Carolina baseball alumnus Chris Veach has been signed by the New York Yankees as an undrafted free agent.
The 2024 MLB Draft has concluded, and six players associated with the Gamecocks were selected: current players catcher Cole Messina, right-handed pitcher Eli Jones, and left-handed pitcher Garrett Gainey; high school signees outfielder PJ Morlando and right-handed pitcher Carson Messina; and junior college signee left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke.
On Thursday night, the first undrafted Gamecock signed a professional contract, with the New York Yankees adding right-handed relief pitcher Chris Veach to their roster. Veach, known for his reliance on a standout change-up, brings an unconventional approach to the bullpen. Although his change-up is his primary weapon, he has potential with his fastball and slider that he didn’t fully showcase while with the Gamecocks.
A native of the Columbia area from Chapin and an alum of Chapin High School, Veach began his college career as a two-way player with the Presbyterian Blue Hose before transferring to the Gamecocks ahead of the 2023 season. Initially capable of pitching or playing infield, he focused mainly on relief pitching for the Gamecocks over the past two years.
During his tenure with the South Carolina baseball program, Veach emerged as one of the top relievers in the SEC. He amassed a 7-3 record and 9 saves in 46 appearances, maintaining an ERA of 3.63 or better in both seasons. Veach struck out 86 batters over 70 2/3 innings, allowing just 49 hits and 5 home runs out of 298 batters faced.
While additional Gamecocks are likely to sign free agent contracts this summer, Chris Veach is currently the only South Carolina baseball alum to secure a deal after this year’s draft.
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