A 28th-round pick of the Atlanta Braves during last week's MLB draft, Trinity Christian product Derek West announced his intention to return to the University of Pittsburgh on Monday.
West, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-handed starter, posted a 3-4 record with a 3.24 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 50 innings this spring. He missed each of the previous two seasons due to injuries — Tommy John surgery as a freshman and ACL/PCL surgery in his right knee as a sophomore.
"I just feel only pitching one year at the collegiate level, with all the eligibility I have still, I can get more experience and develop more," West said. "I can get another year towards my degree and then try again next year."
West declined to disclose details of the Braves' signing bonus offer. The Panthers went 29-26 overall, including an 11-19 mark in ACC play.
"We made some big strides this year. Next year, Pitt is destined for greatness, and I wish to be a part of it," West said.