Lucas Spence Inks Deal with Astros

Lucas Spence Inks Deal with Astros

July 18, 2024, 5:15 PM

SIUE outfielder Lucas Spence (Beecher, Illinois) has signed a free agent deal with the Houston Astros.

A First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, Spence led the OVC in hitting with a .385 average in his lone season for the Cougars. His average ranks second in a single season in SIUE's Division I era.

"I'm excited for Lucas to get the opportunity to continue his playing career at the professional level," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said.

Spence led the team with 14 doubles and a league-best four triples. He added five home runs, 36 RBIs and a team-high 53 runs scored. From March 10-April 19, Spence hit safely in 23 consecutive games, coming within one game of tying SIUE's all-time record. He also made 14 appearances on the mound for the Cougar. He amassed 22 strikeouts in 18.2 innings of work.

"He is being rewarded for a great junior season," Lyons added. "I couldn't be happier for how his hard work has paid off."

Spence is the fifth former SIUE player in the last three seasons to be drafted or signed into a Major League organization.

PHOTO: Lucas Spence