Fox Chapel native Jack Katsonas excited for opportunity in Tampa Bay organization

Jack Kartsonas prefers to dominate one task at a time.

On a recent Wednesday, the former West Virginia University standout and Fox Chapel native was only worried about the quality of the steak he was cooking and not about the challenge of leaping into minor league baseball.

Kartsonas, who played baseball at University Prep and Vincentian, was headed to the Tampa Bay Rays’ spring training facility in Port Charlotte on July 21 to take a physical and sign a contract with the team.

“I haven’t thought about that at all,” Kartsonas said. “I’m detail-oriented. I’m all about focusing on what is right in front of me. I’m making steak for dinner and focused on that. Tomorrow, I have to throw and lift.”

Karstonas, 24, knew that being picked in the MLB Draft would be unlikely due to his age. It didn’t make the day less chaotic. Kartsonas paid attention throughout most of the seven-hour draft.

Kartsonas didn’t sign with an agent. He developed a strong relationship with Rays scout Eric Roof, who first saw Kartsonas play at Kent State. When the draft ended, Roof called him right away, and Kartsonas agreed.

“The feedback I got from teams after how the season ended, I knew someone was going to give me an opportunity,” Kartsonas said. “He was the first team to call me. A few other teams texted me after the draft, but I didn’t consider any other teams.”

Kartsonas earned all-Big 12 honors during his only season at WVU. He finished with a 6-4 record and a 4.07 ERA with the Mountaineers. Kartsonas appeared in 20 games and made nine starts for the Mountaineers, who reached the NCAA Super Regionals before being bounced by eventual champion LSU.

Kartsonas started his collegiate career with Division III John Carroll before spending three seasons with Kent State. During Kartsonas’ time at West Virginia, he spent a lot of time working out how to throw his five pitches: a fastball, sinker, sweeper, slider and changeup.

“I feel equally confident in every pitch,” Kartsonas said.

Kartsonas said he is excited to go to Tampa. He believes the Rays have a strong track record of developing pitchers.

“I think it is the best place for my career,” Kartsonas said. “I’m appreciative of the opportunity.”