Left-Hander Jake Eaton Re-Signs with Wild Things for 2018
WASHINGTON, Pa. - Today the Washington Wild Things announced their second returnee to the team from the 2017 roster, as left-handed pitcher Jake Eaton was officially re-signed to a contract for the 2018 campaign.
Eaton, originally acquired in late July in a trade with the Salina Stockade of the American Association (a Pecos League team traveling and playing an AA schedule in 2017), made 12 appearances for the Wild Things in 2017, spanning 20.1 innings.
"Jake was one of the best finds for us during the 2017 season. Being on the travel team in the American Association took a toll on him physically," said Wild Things general manager Steven Zavacky. "We were happy to see how he embraced his role in Washington and how he responded to the pressure of our heated playoff race. Jake will be a vital piece of our success in 2018, working inning situations, and we look forward to seeing his continual growth.”
Eaton will be looking to build off a successful start to his Wild Thing career. In the aforementioned 20.1 innings, the LaPorte, Indiana, native allowed just 16 hits and nine runs (five earned) with seven walks and 23 strikeouts. He was 1-0 with a save and a 2.21 earned run average.
The Anderson University grad said he's looking to do even more good things with the team in 2018.
"Personally, I hope to just continue improving as a pitcher and contributing to the success of the team," said Eaton. "Last year I was very comfortable in my role out of the bullpen, and I felt like I was pretty flexible for us We've talked about the possibility of starting, but during spring training I'll be willing to try out any role Banger [Field Manager Gregg Langbehn] asks of me."
Eaton said he enjoyed his first taste of Washington, citing some differences and a "different atmosphere" than what he was accustomed to with the Stockade prior to his arrival in Washington.
"Everyone associated with the team was excited for pushing into the postseason, and it was great being a part of a successful team [in 2017]," said Eaton. "The biggest difference personally was having a training room and a great trainer in Brittany Miller. I was able to receive crucial treatment that I hadn't had on my prior teams, helping me feel like I was at my absolute best in my outings with Washington."
He said he's also excited, not only to be back, but to push for even more as a team than the playoff berth in 2017.
"I expect a couple team expectations to be taking the top seed in the regular season and winning the Frontier League Championship," said Eaton.
Eaton joins right-handed pitcher Chase Cunningham as players from the 2017 team to re-up their deals, and more will be coming in and released over the next few weeks, as the 2018 roster starts to take shape. For all of the news on roster moves, check out the "news" tab on our website and all of our social media platforms.
