Former Ooltewah High School baseball star Kyler Burke has been traded to the Chicago Cubs.
The San Diego Padres traded him along with catcher Rob Bowen for catcher Michael Barrett.
Kyler Burke told MadFriars.com, “It never really crossed my mind that I would be getting traded this early. I was shocked to be honest with you. I didn’t know who it was for at first. I really don’t know how to feel.”
Burke, 19, is hitting .211 (45-for-213) with seven doubles, a triple, a home run, 21 RBI and 24 runs scored in 62 games for San Diego’s Single-A Fort Wayne affiliate this season.
Burke added, “It is crazy. I don’t really know how to feel. I am a little disappointed because of all the guys I have made relationships with – the coaching staff, everybody. It happens for a reason and will work out the best for me.
“I was talking to Grady Fuson and he noted it is almost an honor to be traded for a high-caliber major league player. If you look at it that way it is not a bad thing.
“I am staying positive and will get a fresh start on things.”
Burke was the 35th overall pick in the 2006 draft.