Hayden Merda, a right handed pitcher that just completed his redshirt sophomore season at Azusa Pacific, has signed a contract with the New York Yankees, following his selection by the club in the 17th round (520th pick) of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft. 

"It meant a ton to me to have the opportunity to get drafted," said Merda, "It was not an easy road, and it took a lot for me to get to where I am now. I could not be happier to have been picked up by the Yankees and to be a part of such a great organization that preaches the values I appreciate."

Merda has been a member of the Cougar program since 2019, and following a redshirt season in his first year, he saw a steady increase in usage as a bullpen arm over the past three seasons. This past spring, Merda was an All-PacWest selection after he threw 43.1 innings, striking out 70 batters and holding opponents to just a .217 batting average. Merda struck out four or more hitters in 12 of his 16 appearances, including a season high of eight in back-to-back appearances, and he allowed one or fewer runs in 11 of his outings. In his final appearance of 2022, Merda earned his second victory of the year when he pitched the final two innings of the Cougars' 7-2 victory over Point Loma in the NCAA Super Regionals in scoreless fashion.

"During his time in our program, Hayden demonstrated a tremendous amount of confidence which will serve him well as he continues his career," said Azusa Pacific head coach Kirk Nieuwenhuis, "He also had one of the strongest desires to learn and grow as a pitcher, which facilitated his success this past season and will continue to take him to new heights as a professional. Hayden is always eager to put in the work necessary to reach his potential, and I am thankful for the example he provided the younger student-athletes in our program in those areas. I am excited to see what the future holds for him. The Yankees are a world-class organization and there is no doubt in my mind that Hayden will be a tremendous fit with them."

Merda is Azusa Pacific's 21st draft pick since joining the NCAA in 2012, and he is the Cougars' 51st draft pick in all-time program history. Since 2012, Azusa Pacific has had 11 pitchers and 10 position players drafted, with three Cougars reaching the big leagues during that time. Merda is the second Cougar to be selected by the Yankees, as Andrew Shive (RHP) was selected by the Yankees in 2008 during the 35th round. 

"Having another player from Azusa Pacific drafted, and seeing two other Cougar baseball alumni promoted within their minor league systems within the last month (Osvaldo Tovalin and Layne Henderson) is a big deal for our program and we could not be more proud of them," said Nieuwenhuis, "We wish them continued success and look forward to watching them tear it up at the next level!" Henderson was recently promoted to AAA in the Houston Astros' organization, and Tovalin has been promoted to High-A ball in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system.

In the 2022 MLB Draft, 17 players were drafted from the Division II ranks, including three from the PacWest Conference. "With the draft being cut down to 20 rounds, I believe this is a testament to the caliber of baseball played at our level, specifically within our conference," said Nieuwenhuis.

Following his signing, Merda will now await an assignment from the Yankees on which level and team he will report to. "I am not sure what is next," said Merda, "I know the Yankees tend to spend lots of time developing their guys and I could not be more excited to be a part of this."

To follow Merda, and the other Cougar alumni that are currently active in the MLB/MiLB, check out the Azusa Pacific Baseball In The Pros page.