Columbus State’s Evans signs big league contract with the Marlins

One week after being selected in the Major League Baseball Draft, Columbus State University baseball player Justin Evans is an official member of the Miami Marlins organization.

Evans was selected by the Marlins in the 19th round as the 567th overall pick. He signed with the National League club on Wednesday, the CSU athletic department announced.

“Being drafted into professional baseball has always been a goal of mine,” Evans said. “It is something I have worked very hard for and am extremely grateful that the Miami Marlins believe in me enough to give me this opportunity. I look forward to the grind and will work my tail off to make everyone proud.”

Evans was the 34th player from the CSU program taken in the history of the draft. He was first since Cameron Griffin was drafted in 2013 and the earliest selection from Columbus State since Joey Hiller was taken 487th overall in 1994.

Kennesaw Ga. native Justin Evans waited only a week after he was taken in the MLB draft to sign with the Miami Marlins.

During his three seasons at Columbus State, Evans posted a .281 career average in 134 games. Forty-one of his 133 hits went for extra bases, including 16 home runs, while scoring 128 times.

On the mound, he made 19 appearances as the team’s closer during his freshman and junior seasons. He held a 6-1 career record with four saves.

“Columbus State gave me every opportunity to succeed and taught me tools that I will use in professional baseball on and off the field every single day,” said Evans, a member of the Peach Belt All-Conference team in 2018. “I will forever be grateful to Greg Appleton, Patrick Collins and Sammy Styers for giving me a shot and making me believe in myself.”

Evans played shortstop for the Cougars this season helping CSU to a second place finish in the NCAA Division II World Series. He begins his professional career later this summer with a Minor League affiliate of the Marlins still to be determined.

This release is also available at www.csucougars.com