LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Michael Messier is now a member of the defending World Series champion's organization.

The former Bellarmine University pitcher signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals after being selected by the club in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Messier had one year of eligibility remaining at BU but opted to begin his professional career after becoming the second-highest draft pick in program history to Todd Wellemeyer (fourth round, Chicago Cubs, 2000).

The 6-foot-6, 205-pound left-hander has been assigned to rookie ball with the AZL Royals in Surprise, Arizona.

"I'm not currently throwing as the training staff is building up strength in my shoulder due to the large quantity of innings that I threw during school ball and summer, so I will make my pro debut later on this summer," Messier said. "It's going to be a grind to get to the (major leagues), but from a player development aspect the Royals seem to be taking it one step at a time and will help me reach my ceiling as a player."

The eighth MLB draft pick in program history, Messier in 2016 tied for the fifth-most strikeouts in a single season in program history with 84. The southpaw went 6-5 with a 4.74 ERA in 13 appearances, including 12 starts, and tallied a team-best five complete games with one shutout.

Prior to his junior season, the native of Milton, Georgia, was named a Summer All-American by D2 Baseball News after compiling a 3-1 record with a 1.38 ERA while striking out 36 in 45.2 innings pitched over eight appearances with the Utica Brewers in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. He was selected to the PGCBL's All-Star team, twice earned Pitcher of the Week accolades and was rated fifth in Perfect Game's list of the top 25 prospects who played in the league.

"(Bellarmine) Coach (Larry) Owens coming from a professional background definitely laid a good foundation for what to expect, as a lot of our practice at Bellarmine was structured very similarly to the way it is with the Royals," Messier said. "It's awesome to have the support of everyone — professors, staff and students alike."

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights) and Facebook (BUKnights).