Sean Isabella

USA Today Network

RUSTON — Braden Bristo had every intention of turning pro after the New York Yankees drafted him Saturday as long as the money was right.

It was, and now the Monroe native is prepared to live out his lifelong dream.

The junior right-handed pitcher for Louisiana Tech is signing with the Yankees and will forgo his senior season with the Bulldogs. He didn't need much convincing after the Yankees offered him a $55,000 signing bonus.

Bristo, who was selected in the 23rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft, joins Tech teammate Phillip Diehl as the second underclassmen to leave the program early. Diehl told The News-Star on Sunday he was signing with the Yankees after they made him their 27th round pick.

"The main thing was I graduated this year so that really helped with my decision to come out. I don't have any school left," Bristo said. "The round was good. The money was good. I just felt like it happened for a reason and it would be the best decision to go."

Three Tech pitchers selected in 2016 MLB Draft

Bristo was in Ruston on Monday to inform coaches of his decision. He felt it was necessary after all the help they provided during the past two seasons.

The former standout at Ouachita Christian School started 25 games for Tech during his three year-career with 115 strikeouts in 143 innings. He earned 10 wins with five coming in 2016.

Bristo finished 5-6 this past year, although his numbers didn't exactly correlate with his raw talent. He sported a 5.69 ERA in 14 starts despite displaying some of the best "stuff" on the team.

A few changes to his delivery in the middle of the year yielding a fastball that topped out at 97 mph at Mississippi State. That's when his stock was at its peak for a pitcher of his size (6-feet, 175 pounds).

He'll ditch his starter role and transform into a reliever at the next level, a role Bristo thinks is better suited for his mentality.

Tech’s Diehl to forgo senior season, sign with Yankees

"As a starter, you somewhat need to pace yourself. I'm not very good at that. I'm max effort out there," he said. "I think it will bode well for me to go out there and just light it up for one inning and not have to worry about all the different things you worry about as a starter."

Bristo had a decorated career at OCS, winning five state championships across four sports. He led the baseball team to two state titles and won two additional championships as the Eagles' quarterback. He also won a track state championship.

Bristo will head to Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday to sign his contract, take a physical and work there for a week or two before heading to Staten Island to play for the Yankees' Short Season-A league.