Talented player signs free agent contract with New York Mets

The string of West Virginia University pitchers getting professional opportunities continued Wednesday morning.

Former WVU pitcher and one-year Mountaineer Hayden Cooper signed a free-agent contract with the New York Mets after going undrafted in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Cooper started his collegiate career at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa, before playing the 2023 season at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

At SIUE, Cooper made 15 appearances including five starts. Over 37.1 innings pitched, he allowed 37 hits, 21 earned runs and struck out 38 batters. He finished the year 1-3 with two saves.

He came to WVU with one year of eligibility remaining, and he made an impact both in the starting rotation and in the bullpen. He finished the season with a 1-4 record, a 6.40 ERA, 32 strikeouts and 16 walks.