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Oregon pitcher Christian Ciuffetelli signs with Washington Nationals

Jarrid Denneyby: Jarrid Denney07/20/22jarrid_denney
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Photo by Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Christian Ciuffetelli delivered a breakout campaign in 2022 and became one of Oregon’s most reliable pitchers toward the end of the season.

Now, the right-hander has parlayed that success into a professional contract.

Late Tuesday evening, Ciuffetelli announced on Instagram that he has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Nationals. The Baseball American undrafted free agent tracker also lists Ciuffetelli as having signed with Washington.

In four seasons with the Ducks, Ciuffetelli made 50 appearances, including 8 starts. He finished his Oregon career with a 6.08 ERA.

In 2022, he experienced a breakout campaign and threw a career-high 33 innings while making 22 appearances. Ciuffetelli was one of Oregon’s top relievers early in the year and was soon bumped up to the starting rotation to alleviate injury and performance issues there.

In his final season in Eugene, Ciuffetelli posted a 3.55 ERA and struck out 32 batters while walking just 17.

As of Wednesday morning, Ciuffetelli is the only Oregon player who is known to have signed as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the 2022 MLB Draft. Tanner Smith, Drew Cowley, Kolby Somers, and a handful of other Ducks could all potentially sign in the coming days.

Last year, former Oregon stars Kenyon Yovan and Gabe Matthew both went undrafted before signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

The following Oregon players were selected during this year’s 20-round draft:

  • SS Josh Kasevich selected in round 2 (60th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays
  • OF Anthony Hall selected in round 4 (130) by the New York Yankees
  • 1B/DH Brennan Milone selected in round 6 (184) by the Oakland Athletics
  • LHP Adam Maier selected in round 7 (215) by the Atlanta Braves

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