Wildcat Casey Sutherland Signs with the Red Sox

Casey Sutherland has more baseball to play.  

The Davidson right-handed pitcher, who posted an 8-1 record as a senior this spring, signed a free agent contract with the Boston Red Sox Wednesday morning. Sutherland is expected to join the organization’s Gulf Coast League affiliate in Fort Myers, Fla.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to continue playing and representing Davidson’s program,” he said.

Sutherland is the first Wildcat to sign a pro contract since 2017, when fellow right-hander Durin O’Linger also signed with the Red Sox as an undrafted free agent. Pitcher Clark Beeker (Minnesota Twins) and outfielder Will Robertson (Baltimore Orioles) were drafted in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Robertson currently plays for the Frederick Keys of the Class A Advanced Carolina League.

 “We’re incredibly happy for Casey,” said Davidson head coach Rucker Taylor. “He has been an exceptional representative of Davidson and our baseball program. This is a well-earned opportunity, and we expect he’s going to take full advantage of it.” 

After posting six saves a year ago, Sutherland transitioned to a starter’s role this season and flourished as the Wildcats’ Friday pitcher. In 79.2 innings, he posted a 2.49 ERA and limited opposing hitters to a .265 average. He worked efficiently, striking out 66 and walking just seven to rank third nationally in strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.43). He also finished fourth in the country in walks per nine innings (0.79).

Sutherland threw a complete-game shutout at George Washington April 20 as he struck out seven and scattered six hits in a 3-0 Wildcats’ victory.

He finished his career as the program leader in walks per nine innings (1.43) and with the 10th-best career ERA (3.53).

Sutherland was recognized this year by the Atlantic 10 as a second-team all-conference pick and an all-academic team member. He also earned all-championship team honors after throwing eight innings and leading the second-seeded Wildcats to a 2-0 opening-round win over Saint Louis.