Virginia Tech's Zach Brzykcy Signs With the Washington Nationals

Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics

Another former Hokie will get his shot in professional baseball

Undrafted Virginia Tech Pitcher Zach Brzykcy signed with the Washington Nationals last month, capping off an offseason where multiple Hokies were added to MLB organizations. Pitcher Ian Seymour was drafted 57th overall by Tampa Bay and catcher Carson Taylor was drafted 130th overall by the Dodgers in this year's MLB Draft in June.

Brzykcy was a key part of the Hokies Baseball team for the past three seasons. In 2018, Brzykcy made eight appearances, pitching a total of 5.2 innings and striking out nine batters.

A season later, Brzykcy’s role on the team expanded greatly. Making 22 appearances in relief, Brzykcy struck out 37 batters in 23.1 innings pitched. Even more impressive, Brzykcy finished the 2019 season with an ERA of 4.24.

Entering his junior year, Brzykcy was expected to play an even bigger part on the team. Unfortunately, the season was cut short in March, after the NCAA suspended winter and spring sports as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In only six innings pitched, he struck out eight batters.

Although Brzykcy wasn’t able to play his junior season, his play up until that point earned him a look from MLB organizations, and he was able to sign with the Washington Nationals.

Zach Brzykcy will have a long road ahead that will likely start with the resumption of minor league baseball during the 2021 season. However, Brzykcy may just be a few strong seasons away from joining the likes of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and others as a major league pitcher for the Washington Nationals.