Two KU baseball players sign free agent MLB contracts

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - A pair of right-handed Jayhawk pitchers are getting their shot at the next level.

Reese Dutton and J'Briell Easley have both signed free agent contracts, Dutton with the Philadelphia Phillies and Easley with the Texas Rangers.

In his sole year at KU after transferring in from USC Upstate, Dutton earned a spot as the Friday starter, compiling a 7-5 record and 3.78 ERA through 85.2 innings pitched. He led the Jayhawks' pitching staff in innings pitched and strikeouts, finished the year with 82 K's.

Easley missed the 2023 season with an ACL injury, but bounced back in 2024 to records 21 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched. Six of his 10 outings were starts, including against No. 8 Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship, where he struck out 11 batters in just over four innings.

Both will join forces with former KU teammates at their next stop. The Phillies drafted both infielder Kodey Shojinaga and relief pitcher Tegan Cain, while the Rangers called on first baseman/catcher Ben Hartl in the 2024 MLB draft.