ATLANTA, Ga. – Former University of Montevallo baseball left-handed-pitcher, Adiel Melendez, has signed with the Atlanta Braves as a free-agent following the 2025 MLB Draft, Monday, in Atlanta, Ga.

"I will forever be grateful to the Atlanta Braves for giving me their confidence to take a chance on me and sign me," said Melendez. "As I celebrate now, I want to make sure to thank my fiancé because this process was tough, and she was there with me every single step of the way. I want to thank my parents, my family, my friends from all over. To my trainers Bobby and Landon. And lastly I want to thank my coaches at Montevallo, Coach Rose, Coach Ivey, and Coach Rev along with Mr.Klotz. Coach Rose has been the best coach ever and I can not say enough how grateful I am because he fought for me. All I need is the opportunity to play in the next level and show what I am capable of. I am now able to do that because of Coach Rose and to the Atlanta Braves"

Melendez, a native of Miami, Fla., is the 10^th Falcon to sign as a free agent. This marks the second consecutive year that a Falcon has been drafted or signed after Logan Samuels was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 2024 MLB draft.

"I am beyond ecstatic and happy for Adiel," said Head Coach Chandler Rose. "The season he had was incredible to watch and be a part of. But, watching his work ethic and dedication to his craft every day the past two years has been amazing."

The southpaw joins Samuels, Will Fulmer, Dane Hutcheon, Tyler Krabbe, Aaron McRee and Devon Davis as the seventh player to be drafted or signed under Head Coach Chandler Rose, and the third pitcher.

"He's had many goals and one of them was to play professional baseball. There's nothing better than seeing one of your players hard work and dedication pay off," added Rose. "We can't wait to watch him continue chasing his dream in a Braves uniform."

Melendez pitched over 165 innings during his career as a Falcon, finishing with 15 wins, 28 starts, and 164 strikeouts while holding a career 3.21 ERA and .255 batting average against. In 2025, Melendez garnered multiple accolades being named All First Team All-GSC, GSC All-Tournament Team, NCBWA First-Team, and D2CCA First-Team All-Region.

His senior season saw him pitch to a 10-5 record with an ERA of 2.38, 98.1 innings pitched, 26 earned runs, 32 walks, and 102 strikeouts. In the Gulf South Conference, Melendez ranked third in ERA, second in games won, second in innings pitched, fourth in fewest number of earned runs, second in lowest batting average against, while recording the most punch outs of any pitcher which also ranks 18^th in Division II.

Melendez will join the Braves organization with his former teammate Logan Samuels who currently plays for the Rome Emperors.

UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO SELECTIONS IN THE MLB FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT
YEAR                      NAME                        POSITION           TEAM                    ROUND
2024                 Logan Samuels              P          Atlanta Braves               8
2019                 Tyler Krabbe                 C          Houston Astros             19
2016                 Dane Hutcheon             IF         Minnesota Twins           29
2014                 Will Fulmer                   IF         New York Mets              22
2007                 J.D. Pruitt                      OF        Oakland A's                   23
2000                 Jeff Segar                      IF         New York Yankees         23
1996                 Bernard Hutchinson      OF        Colorado Rockies           22
1996                 Mick Fieldbinder           P          Milwaukee Brewers       35
1990                 Rusty Greer                  OF        Texas Rangers               10
1989                 Kevin Fowler                 P          Texas Rangers               37
1988                 Ronnie Rasp                  P          Chicago Cubs                32
1988                 Brian Cofer                   IF         Cleveland Indians          47
1988                 Chris Walker                 IF         Philadelphia Phillies      54
1987                 Kelvin Shepard              OF        Montreal Expos             15
1982                 David Baley                   IF         Miluawkee Brewers       13
1982                 Greg Key                       OF        Los Angeles Lakers        16
1981                 Bradley Edlefsen           P          Atlanta Braves               35
1981                 Greg Key                       OF        Cincinnati Reds             35*
*Did not sign and returned to the University of Montevallo for his senior season.