Every young baseball player has the dream to one day hear their name called in the MLB Draft. For Infielder Eddie Rynders, his dream came true when the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the fourth round 112th overall. The journey to get to this stage is always tough, but the dedication Rynders put in has the possibility of making him one of the biggest steals in this year’s class. 

Eddie Rynders was born October 31st, 2005 in Wind Lake, WI. Located just outside of Milwaukee, Rynders became a part of a heavy baseball family. He quickly got a bat in his hands thanks to his father, grandfather, and older brother. Starting behind the plate as a catcher until Eddie made the move to shortstop, always enjoying the challenge of constantly being on your heels and involved in the action.  The potential of this young star started to blossom when he played up an age group in his freshman year hitting an astonishing .450 batting average. Each year saw improvements and more eyes drawing towards Rynders, but he remained the same calm collected player, tuning out the noise. 

Colleges began expressing their interests beginning in the fall of his sophomore year. After attending a camp with the Golden Flashes, he fell in love with Kent State, stating that he liked the small school feel but still having the top notch facilities and technology to help him as a ball player and a student. Head Coach Jeff Duncan and his staff were called the best in the midwest by Rynders and have an amazing culture for their athletes. 

After his freshman, sophomore, and juniors seasons, Ryder’s took his talents to the national level at the Perfect Game Showcase where schools and scouts see the best of the best. The showcase also saw Eddie earn his first baseball card through Leaf Trading Cards. He got to sign many of them for fans last season and stated, “I was once in that position (asking for an autograph) and now I love now to be the one to do that for the kids.” 

Knowing the draft was looming, Rynders worked on his craft intensely during the 2023 offseason focusing on getting quicker, more agilic, and be more versatile, something that has earned him a higher draft position. 

After an eye popping senior season, he showcased his talents with the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League appearing in three games. Rynders stated that he recommends high school prospects to play in that league as they help prepare you for pro ball and facing older talented players along with heavy exposure to MLB scouts. 

On July 15, 2024 after countless interviews and in-home visits with scouts and front offices, surrounded by his family, the dream of getting drafted came to fruition with the Pittsburgh Pirates making him their fourth round selection. “I couldn’t have ended up in a better place. I couldn’t be happier to be a Pittsburgh Pirate!” Rynders exclaimed. 

The next couple of days will see the young infielder head to the Steel City where he will sign his first pro contract in his favorite MLB ballpark, PNC Park. Then he will begin the minor league grind in Bradenton, FL but the mission remains the same as an under the radar player who will put his head down and go to work. 

Eddie Rynders fast facts

High School: Wisconsin Luthern 

H/W: 6’2 190

Position: SS/3B (can play 2B, LF, RF)

Walkup Song: How Long by Ace

Bat of choice: Louisville Slugger (Schwarber model)

Pregame traditions: Long stretch routine, lift prior, eat a good meal

Superstition: Don’t step foul line, wrist tape

Pregame meal: Qdoba or Chipotle

Hobbies: Golfing, fishing

Weird draft question: A team asked do you put peanut butter in fridge or pantry? A: Pantry

Stadium looking forward to play in: Victory Field  Indianapolis, IN and LECOM Park  Bradenton,FL

Fav baseball memory: Getting drafted

Fav all-time golfer: Mark Wilson (related) 

If not baseball player: Agent or scout, loves watching/analyzing players, loves film 

Fav MLB player: Christian Yelich, modeled swing as a kid

Fav travel ball place: Grand Park, IN   

Role models: Hitting Coach (5-6 yrs), developed swing tailored to him, worked on him as a player and person 

Jersey number: #10