Fayette, Mo. - Central Methodist senior pitcher Nick Merkel signed a professional contract with the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball Wednesday. 

Merkel becomes the first Eagle since Peyton Long in 2019 to ink a professional contract with Major League Baseball. 

"Nick is a winner," said head coach Nate Breland. "He has won everywhere he has been and we are very happy for him in reaching his dream. It has been an honor to watch him grow physically and mentally the past three years." 

The native of Spokane, Wash. pitched for the Eagles for three seasons from 2020-22. During his time with CMU, he became a two-time NAIA All-American, including earning Second Team honors in 2021. In addition, Merkel led Central to a Heart Regular Season and Tournament Championship, an Opening Round Championship, and its first-ever Avista NAIA World Series appearance. 

The Eagles finished 2021 as the NAIA National Runner-Up, posting a 3-2 record at the series in Lewiston, Idaho. Two of those wins came from Merkel, and he was named to the All-Tournament Team for his efforts. 

In 2022, Merkel appeared in 16 games with 16 starts, tossing 106 total innings and throwing 136 strikeouts. Overall, he posted an 11-4 record and a 2.29 earned run average, earning him Heart First Team All-Conference honors.

Merkel concluded his time at Central as the single-season record holder in strikeouts (136, 2022), innings pitched (106, 2022), wins (14, 2021), complete games (nine, 2022), and the career record holder in both strikeouts (285) and wins (29). 

#TakeFlight