Feeling he had more to prove as a college pitcher, Jared Kollar took advantage of a fifth year of eligibility and played last season at Rutgers.
What did he prove?
That he might have major-league talent.
The crafty right-hander out of Latrobe and Seton Hill was signed Tuesday night to a free-agent contract with the San Diego Padres.
From Division II to Division I to the minor leagues, this is Kollar’s still-budding story.
Undrafted, Kollar has been pitching this summer for the Morehead City Marlins (N.C.) of the Coastal Plain League.
He will report to the Arizona Complex League Padres to begin his pro career.
“It’s been a lot of waiting around,” Kollar said. “I’m glad (Rutgers) gave me a shot because that ended up paying off for me.
“I am very excited. Not excited for the heat out west, but it’ll still be a lot of fun.”
In 16 starts for Rutgers, the grad student went 8-2 with a 4.36 ERA in 76 1/3 innings. He struck out 84, walked 22 and had one complete game.
Kollar was named second-team All-Big Ten as he registered six quality starts.
He had a pair of 10-strikeout games and has routinely been clocked in the low 90 mph range.
At Seton Hill, he appeared in 36 games with 31 starts, finished 17-7 and dealt a 3.05 ERA. The former WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A champion overcame a hand injury that set him back five weeks during his senior season at Seton Hill.
The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies also showed interest.
Another Scarlet Knight is headed to the pros!
Excited to announce Jared Kollar has agreed to terms with the San Diego @Padres!!
Good luck, Jared!#TCD x #TimeToShine pic.twitter.com/FUBx09y4zX
— Rutgers Baseball (@RutgersBaseball) July 20, 2022
I had a feeling back in the fall of 2016 when I sat at his kitchen table and recruited him to the Hill, that one day he could be a pro. ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????? !!
Mr. Consistency @JaredKollar. Drafted as a scarlet knight but you’ll always be a Griff! Congrats!! pic.twitter.com/JFg73bS3RL— Marc Marizzaldi (@Maz1Nine) July 20, 2022
