Just a day after Tanner Burns was drafted to the Indians, Auburn lefty Bailey Horn is headed to the Windy City to join the White Sox.
Horn was selected 142nd overall in the 5th round.
“It was a surreal feeling to get that call. I just can’t explain it,” Horn said after being drafted. “I’ve had a lot of help to get where I am today, and I can’t thank the people in my corner enough. Coach Thompson took a chance on me out of junior college, and I can’t thank him enough for that. I’m excited for this next step in my career.”
Horn spent time at a junior college before signing with Auburn. While at Auburn, Horn pitched in 22 games, ending his career with a 4.75 ERA through 55 innings. Horn struck out 58 and walked 25 batters.
During his first season at Auburn, Horn played a significant role in the Tigers' College World Series run, pitching six scoreless innings against Georgia Tech. He was named to the Atlanta Regional All-Tournament Team for his performance.
“He’s missed some time at the collegiate level, but I think what he did in the postseason last year and how he started this year, even in the fall, from a professional baseball standpoint, they’ve seen him,” head coach Butch Thompson said. “He kind of came out of nowhere. The sky’s the limit. His best days are definitely ahead of him. There’s just not a lot of guys walking Earth that are left-handed with the power he has and are that type of athlete.”
Before the 2020 season ended prematurely, Horn was off to an impressive start with a 3-1 record and a 2.08 ERA. Horn struck out 27 batters in 17.1 innings of work.
Horn being drafting by the White Sox now creates a trifecta of former Auburn pitchers currently in the AL Central. Casey Mize is a part of the Detroit Tigers organization and Burns is with the Indians.
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