UNC Baseball: Casey Cook signs with the Texas Rangers organization

Casey Cook has determined that now is the right time for him to begin his professional baseball career.

The former UNC baseball standout, who was selected by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft, has agreed to terms on his first professional contract. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reported that Cook signed for $700K, which is approximately $10K under the draft slot value.

When you think of the term "professional hitter," it's very difficult not to think about Casey Cook. During his time in Chapel Hill, Cook became an absolute force at the plate, as it shouldn't be a surprise that Major League clubs took notice of what he can do with the bat.

During his redshirt freshman season in 2003, Cook burst onto the scene, as he was a All-ACC Freshman team selection. He ranked second among all ACC rookies in hits (66) and walks (34) and fourth in batting average (.333) during the regular season, and set a UNC baseball program freshman record by reaching base safely in 44 consecutive games.

This past season, Cook was even better, as he earned First-Team All-ACC honors. While creating a dynamic 1-2 punch at the top of the Diamond Heels lineup with Vance Honeycutt, Cook led the Tar Heels in hits (88), RBIs (78), multi-hit games (28), and multi-RBI games (24). He has a knack for getting on base, finishing the season with a 19-game on-base streak.

The UNC baseball program featured one of the best lineups in the country, as Cook played a major role in that success. He was instrumental in leading the Diamond Heels back to Omaha, as not many players in the country have the ability to impact a game offensively like he does.

Although he isn't necessarily known for his defense, Cook is very much a guy who can hold his own at either corner outfielder position. As we already know, if you can hit, they will find a spot for you in the everyday lineup, as Cook could easily be one of those prospects that quickly rises through the Rangers' farm system, given what he can do at the plate.

Cook had eligibility to return to the UNC baseball program, but given where he was selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, it makes total sense for him to begin the next chapter in his baseball career. Now, Cook will team up once again with fellow former Tar Heel Dalton Pence as the duo looks to work their way up the minor leagues ranks.

Who knows: it might not be long before we see Cook crushing baseballs in Texas with the Rangers' big league club.