IRVINE, Calif. --- Days after the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft concluded, another Anteater has earned his promotion to the professional ranks with the free agent signing of
Taishi Nakawake.
The fifth-year collegiate player and three-year Anteater signed with the Chicago White Sox joining the trio of Anteaters -
Nathan Church,
Troy Taylor, and incoming 'Eater Riley Kelly - who were selected in the draft on Tuesday. Nakawake was an accomplished infielder at nearby El Camino College in his hometown of Torrance for two years before joining the Anteaters.
In his three seasons with the 'Eaters, Nakawake was a staple at shortstop playing in all 132 games while part of the roster with starts in 129 of them. He dazzled defensively especially in 2021 when he was 1 of 3 Big West players that share the Defensive Player of the Year title. He finished with 96 career hits in just over 400 at-bats contributing 71 runs scored, 52 RBIs, 17 doubles, and belted his first two home runs this past season.
Nakawake is the 141st Anteater drafted or signed to a pro club, 90th since 2002, 17th under head coach
Ben Orloff, and the 25th player to go via the undrafted free agent route.
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