LA Tech product Kent Hasler inks contract with Diamondbacks

RUSTON – Louisiana Tech alum Kent Hasler has been signed by his hometown team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, ahead of the 2020 minor league baseball season.

Hasler, a former Bulldog closer who graduated in 2018, most recently pitched for the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. The Arizona-native posted a 2.01 ERA in 38 appearances out of the bullpen. He struck out 89 batters in 67 innings pitched for a K/9 of 11.96.

“We are so proud of Kent,” said LA Tech head coach Lane Burroughs. “He epitomizes what it means to be a Bulldog. That young man has absolutely worked his tail off for this opportunity. He has busted it every day as our graduate manager and the last two summers in Independent ball. If anyone deserves this chance, it’s Kent Hasler.”

Hasler posted a career ERA of 3.63 while at Louisiana Tech and earned 11 saves after moving to the bullpen midway through his junior year. He struck out 82 batters across 84.1 innings of work and finished with a career record of 8-5. Hasler was a two-time member of the C-USA All-Academic Team.

“Ever since I first played for Tech, the coaching staff and players have always had my back and supported me every step of the way,” said Hasler. “When I shared the news of signing with the Diamondbacks, the coaches were ecstatic. They have seen first-hand the effort I have put in, and they are excited to see the hard work pay off. I am grateful for my time at Tech and that I have been able to give back to such a strong program.”

Before coming to Tech, Hasler was an NJCAA all-American at Mesa CC. He posted a 9-1 record and 1.93 ERA in 102.1 innings as a sophomore. Hasler registered a 106/29 strikeout-to-walk ratio, striking out over a batter an inning for the Thunderbirds.

Hasler had been serving as a graduate manager for the 2020 Bulldogs prior to signing with the Diamondbacks.