Two-time All Big 12 Carson Kainer was drafted by the Reds, but innitially decided to return to Texas. A large part of Kainer's decision had to do with the kidney transplant he had to undergo. In September, Kainer successfully received a kidney from his father and on Tuesday announced he has signed a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
In a release from Texas, head coach Augie Garrido said:
"We are extremely thankful for all of the time Carson spent as a member of our team. He performed extremely well as a player, as a leader and as a student. All around, he is a first-class Longhorn and we wish him the best of luck. We always support the decision of our players to pursue a professional career when they feel they are ready for it and Carson is ready."
The Tomball, Texas native will join former Longhorn teammates Sam LeCure and Drew Stubbs in the Cincinnati's minor league system.