Houston Astros will allow Bryce Boettcher to play 2024 football season with Oregon
The Houston Astros looked to the Pacific Northwest in the 13th-round, selecting Bryce Boettcher out of Oregon. Boettcher plays multiple sports, obviously baseball and then with head coach Dan Lanning on the gridiron. Usually, a decision has to be made immediately between the two sports.
However, Boettcher will have the luxury of playing at least one more year of football. Boettcher will play the 2024 season with Oregon before officially turning his attention to baseball full-time, Astros scouting director Cam Pendino said on Tuesday.
A contract agreement has not been made between Houston and Boettcher quite yet. If the deal gets done, minor-league spring training is the first time Boettcher plays under the Astros organization.
“Astros scouting director Cam Pendino said 13th round pick Bryce Boettcher will play football for Oregon this fall before beginning his professional baseball career,” Chandler Rome of The Athletic said via X. “Presuming he does sign, Boettcher would report to minor-league spring training next year.”
Boettcher had a career season on the baseball diamond in 2024, helping the Ducks reach the Super Regionals. In 56 games played, he finished with a .267 average with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an OPS of .872.
The football impact was likely not as signficiant but still solid. Boettcher is a linebacker, recording 37 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss, and one sack. It was the first season Boettcher got significant playing time for Oregon, developing well under Lanning as a fourth-year player.
Most times, players just selected in the MLB Draft would go back rookie ball before a first-ever spring training. Eventually, teams wiuld assign them to a Minor League affiliate. Nothing too big, especially for somebody selected in the 13th-round, likely low-A ball.
Boettcher will instead be heading back to Euguene instead to continue summer workouts. Fall camp will begin soon enough for Oregon, preparing for quite an important 2024 season. Not only are the Ducks joining the Big Ten, they are considered one of the favorites to win the conference.
Spring training in 2024 began around Feb. 22, depending on the ballclub. If everything goes to plan, Boettcher will be just over a month removed from winning a national championship with Oregon. The CFP title game is scheduled for Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.
Interesting months ahead for the two-sport star, looking to compete at the highest level in baseball and football.