Corey Gaconi among SLU trio to sign pro baseball contracts

HAMMOND, La. – Three former members of the Southeastern Louisiana baseball program will begin the next steps in their respective careers after signing professional contracts recently.

Infielder Cody Grosse, pitcher Bryce Tassin and pitcher Corey Gaconi have all reported to their respective rookie league assignments. Grosse, a 30th round pick by the Seattle Mariners in last month’s Major League Baseball Draft, will report to the AZL Mariners’ rookie league affiliate in Peoria, Arizona.

Tassin, who was drafted in the 31st round by the Detroit Tigers, will report to the GCL Tigers’ team in Lakeland, Florida. Gaconi, who went undrafted, signed a deal with the New York Mets’ organization and is playing for the Kingsport Mets in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Grosse made his debut last Tuesday and as of Monday has competed in four games, collecting hits in each of his last two appearances. Tassin has yet to make his debut on the mound for the GCL Tigers.

While Grosse and Tassin were drafted at the beginning of the month, Gaconi had to wait a little longer for a call that started a whirlwind 24 hours for the Lions’ ace. After receiving the call last Thursday, Tassin flew to Tennessee and signed his contract that day. He capped his first day as a professional by scattering three hits in two innings of work, holding the lead in a 7-2 Mets victory over the Elizabethtown Twins.