SAN ANTONIO — Tyler Straub signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals this week.
Straub played two seasons with UTSA as a middle infielder after transferring from North Central Texas College. In his two seasons as a Roadrunner, the Albuquerque, N.M., native started 91 games and batted at a .308 clip. He registered 112 hits, including 26 for extra bases, scored 55 runs, registered 62 RBIs and was 22-of-29 in stolen bases.
"UTSA has given me many opportunities while helping me grow as a player and a person, and for that, I am so thankful to be pursing my professional career with the Kansas City Royals," Straub said.
"I'm really proud of Tyler and this opportunity that's been presented to him," head coach Jason Marshall said. "To play professional baseball at any level is an accomplishment and lifelong memory. He was a centerpiece on our 2015 team, hitting .340 for us and playing steady shortstop. When he went down with an injury that season, we really missed his presence and it affected the potential of that team."
That season, Straub helped UTSA rank in the top four in Conference USA in eight offensive categories, including runs, doubles, home runs and stolen bases.
In his final campaign, he was second on the team with 16 multiple-hit games and led the team with 10 multiple-RBI games. Straub also topped the squad with 35 RBIs and his 57 hits and 30 runs scored ranked third. He also registered a team-high five sacrifice flies, which tied for second in Conference USA and was recognized by the league on the All-Academic Team.
Straub becomes the 49th player in UTSA's 25-year history to either be drafted or signed by a Major League team.
"Tyler continues a legacy that has gone from Ryan Crew (Milwaukee Brewers) to James Keithley (Washington Nationals) to Marshal Davis (N.Y. Mets) to RJ Perucki (Independent) of shortstops who've been recruited and coached by this staff," Marshall said. "It's a legacy we hope to continue."
