The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced today that 24-year-old Second baseman Payton Eeles has signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins and will report to Single-A Fort Myers.
Eeles only had to play six games with the Crabs, and slashed .292/.667/1.060 OPS while crushing three opposite field homers. He was also impressed with the glove, making several fine plays at second base. Eeles was never drafted and will get his first opportunity in affiliated baseball. He started his college playing days at Cedarville University, and then transferred to Coastal Carolina for his senior season. At Coastal, he hit .374 in 63 games, and then in 2023 in his first pro season was in the American Association for the Chicago Dogs and batted .311 in 39 games. Eeles is the first player to sign a contract in Affiliated ball in the 2024 season.