ARLINGTON, Texas – Former UCF right-handed pitcher Chase Centala was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 20th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft on Tuesday. Centala becomes the second Knight taken in this year’s draft, as fellow right-handed pitcher Najer Victor was selected in the 14th round by the Los Angeles Angels earlier in the day.
Centala, who played his final three collegiate seasons for the Black and Gold, was taken as the 604th pick of the draft. The right-hander becomes UCF’s 126th player drafted in program history but just the second selected by the Marlins.
Centala capped his collegiate career by earning 2024 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. He was also tabbed a NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List honoree during his senior campaign as well as to the 2024 Spring Academic All-Big 12 Team. UCF’s closer for the majority of his senior year, Centala finished 2024 with perfect 3-0 record and a team-best seven saves. He also struck out 37 batters in 32.1 innings and tallied a 6.55 ERA.
As a junior in 2023, Centala posted a 2-2 record with one save over 17 appearances. He recorded 37 strikeouts over 33 innings while registering a 5.45 ERA. As a sophomore in 2022, the righty picked up a pair of saves and a 4.85 ERA. He also struck out a career-high 56 batters over 52 innings of work.
Centala began his college career at Florida. During his freshman campaign in Gainesville, he went 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings. He also struck out nine while limiting opposing hitters to just a .213 clip.
Centala is originally from Tampa, Florida, and prepped at Sickles High School.
Orlando ➡️ Miami@CentalaChase is officially a member of the @Marlins organization💥 pic.twitter.com/btUGXvTl4F
— UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) July 16, 2024