Rafters Add Athleticism With Signings of Alabama State Duo
For the City Times Staff
Continuing the process of assembling the 2016 roster, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have announced that 2015 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American infielder Yamil Pagan (Alabama State) will be joining the Rafters for the upcoming season. Accompanying Pagan to Witter Field will be outfielder Joseph Estrada (Alabama State), not only a collegiate teammate but also a fellow Puerto Rico native.
Yamil Pagan (Contributed Photo)
IF – Yamil Pagan, 6’0” 175 (R/R) Sophomore, Alabama State University
After a freshman season that saw him garner national recognition, the Alabama State second baseman is set to join the Rafters for the 2016 season. As a freshman in 2015, Pagan was selected a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. He appeared in 47 games including 45 starts in route to helping lead the Hornets to their second consecutive SWAC Eastern Division championship. Pagan hit .321 on the season with a .398 on-base percentage. In addition to reaching base consistently, the middle infielder swatted four home runs, compiled 30 RBI, and scored 40 runs. Pagan will look to take the next step forward this spring as a sophomore for the Hornets. He is a native of Puerto Rico and prepped at the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, made famous for developing Carlos Correa, the 2015 American League Rookie of the Year.
Joseph Estrada (Contributed Photo)
OF – Joseph Estrada, 5’10” 190 (S/R) Sophomore, Alabama State University
The switch-hitting Estrada played primarily in a starting role for the Hornets as a true freshman outfielder, appearing in 42 games of which he started 32. At the plate, Estrada posted a .379 on-base percentage in addition to hitting at a .227 clip with one home run, 14 RBI, and 27 runs scored. Following his freshman campaign at Alabama State, Estrada spent the summer of 2015 competing for the Waynesboro Generals of the Valley Baseball League. This spring Estrada will look to build on his debut season in 2015 and will occupy a spot in the outfield for the Hornets. He is a native of Puerto Rico.
