MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia third baseman Ryan Tuntland agreed to a contract with the San Francisco Giants, becoming the first pro signee from the Mountaineers’ five draft picks earlier this month.
A 29th-round selection by the Giants, Tuntland batted .325 with three homers and 36 RBIs, seven stolen bases and a team-high 29 walks during his only season at WVU. He spent his first two seasons at Oakland (Mich.) Community College.
“We really wish Ryan the best,” WVU coach Randy Mazey said Tuesday. “He is a great kid and had a great year for us. We’re going to miss him.”
Major-league teams have until July 12 to sign draft picks, which puts three current West Virginia players and one recruit on the clock.
First baseman Ryan McBroom, a 36th-round selection of the Kansas City Royals, has yet to announce his decision, while incoming freshman pitcher Dmitri Casas of Cherry Creek (Colo.) High School is weighing a 38th-round offer from the Phillies.
Left-handed pitcher Harrison Musgrave, the Big 12 pitcher of the year, previously said he intends to return to school after being chosen by the Phillies in the 33rd round, and right-handed pitcher Sean Carley also stated his plans to return after being picked by the Padres in the 34th round.