Cubs Announce LeMahieu Signing

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have signed their second round selection (79th overall) from the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, infielder DJ LeMahieu from Louisiana State University. LeMahieu will join Rookie-League Mesa’s roster.

A 21-year-old right-handed batter and fielder, LeMahieu batted .350 (96-for-274) with 57 runs, 13 doubles, four triples, five homers, 43 RBI and a .419 on-base percentage in his sophomore year for the College World Series Champion LSU Tigers last season. He led the club in batting average, as well as hits (96) and multi-hit efforts (30), while his 14-game hitting streak tied for the team lead.

In 2008, he hit .337 (87-for-258) with 11 doubles, six homers and 44 RBI as the club’s starting shortstop. He closed out the season with a 16-game hitting streak and went on to earn NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team honors, as well as the Lousiana Freshman of the Year.

The 6-4, 196-pound LeMahieu was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 41st round of the 2007 Draft, but did not sign.