Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson may have a decision to make in a few years, or possibly sooner, after the Texas Rangers drafted him in the Rule 5 draft early today. From CBS Sports:
A total of nine players were selected in the major-league phase (fewest in 15 years), but the most interesting pick came in the Triple-A portion. The Rangers selected current Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson from the Rockies with the 15th pick and now control his baseball rights. Because of the way the minor-league phase works, Texas essentially bought him from Colorado for the $12,000 fee.
The Rockies drafted Wilson in the fourth round of the 2010 draft out of North Carolina State. He had previously been selected by the Orioles in the 41st round of the 2007 draft out of high school. Wilson did sign with the Rockies for $200,000 and yes, he did play in their farm system for a portion of the 2010-11 seasons. He hit .229/.354/.356 with five home runs, 19 stolen bases and 118 strikeouts in 93 Class A games as a second baseman.
We have to admit, with a little work, Wilson could be a nice infielder — unfortunately, there is no future for him in Texas behind phenom Jurickson Profar. And, while it’s highly unlikely he will give up his job in Seattle to play baseball, one has to wonder what the right move is in the grand scheme of things. Sure, quarterbacks are protected now more than ever in the NFL, but a runner like Wilson could take one hit and be in serious trouble.
Perhaps Wilson should give it another few years with Seattle, then consider another career. Until then, Wilson will be used as a motivational speaker for the Rangers’ club.
One more item of note: this is not the first time the Texas Rangers have selected a football player in the Rule 5 draft. They selected running back Ricky Williams in 1998 to be an outfielder.
