Aurora standout, MSU recruit Wyatt Sparks will sign deal with Texas Rangers

Wyatt Sparks called it one of the most difficult decisions of his life, but he has decided to forgo his collegiate career at Missouri State to sign with the Texas Rangers.

The standout Aurora Houn' Dawg pitcher was drafted in the 23rd round and 689th overall by the Texas Rangers on June 6. He signed to play baseball at Missouri State in November.

Sparks told the News-Leader on Tuesday morning that he is in Arizona and is going to sign a professional contract.

"I just wanted to start my career early," Sparks said. "I wanted to get my foot in the door."

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The highly rated pitcher will become the second MSU signee to sign a professional contract and skip a college career in Springfield.

Fellow recruit Trey Riley was drafted in the fifth round with the No. 142 overall pick and signed with the Atlanta Braves.

Sparks said he is really excited to start his professional career, but it was difficult to pass on a school like MSU.

"They're someone I've always watched and really wanted to go to," Sparks said. "It's a great program. It was really hard."

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Sparks finished his 2018 state championship campaign with an 11-1 record, 143 strikeouts and a 0.93 ERA. He credited his teammates and coaches along with his family for getting him to where he is today.

Prep Baseball Report listed Sparks as the No. 9 recruit in the state of Missouri before the season.

He led Aurora to a Class 4 state title with an 8-2 record, 0.87 ERA and 121 strikeouts during his junior year. He was also hitting .380 as the team's leadoff hitter.

Aurora won the Class 4 state championship on June 2 with a 2-0 win over St. Mary's to conclude a 30-1 season.

MSU juniors Jeremy Eierman, Dylan Coleman and Hunter Steinmetz all signed professional deals with their respective teams, which ended their college careers.

Sparks said he doesn't have his mullet right now but he plans on growing his hair back out.