MOORHEAD, MINNESOTA — The contract of Sioux Falls Canaries’ RHP Kevin Folman has been purchased by the Chicago White Sox, the American Association announced on Tuesday.
“I’m very thankful to the Sioux Falls Canaries for giving me the opportunity to play professional baseball, and to [manager] Mike Meyer and [pitching coach] Ben Moore for believing me and teaching me how to be a professional,” Folman said. “I’m excited to continue my career with the Chicago White Sox!”
Folman is the first Canary to be picked up by an MLB club since Dallas Tarleton in 2014.
Folman, 23, joined the Canaries on June 12 after a standout career at North Dakota State University. He impressed out of the gate with a strong relief appearance that night.
“When we brought Kevin in, we knew he was going to be pretty good, but I didn’t realize he was going to be that much of a competitor, that refined at this stage of his career,” Meyer said. “We wish him nothing but the best, and hope he goes out, does well, and continues to progress.”
Folman quickly became one of the Canaries’ strongest starters. He recorded a 3.54 ERA over eight appearances (seven starts) with 23 strikeouts and just 16 walks in 45.2 innings of work.
An NDSU Bison from 2014 to 2018, Folman had a breakout season as a redshirt junior. The Hermantown, Minn. native posted a 2.70 ERA in 21 appearances in 2017, ranking third in the Summit League with eight saves.
The 23-year-old was a valuable piece out of the bullpen his senior year as well, earning a 3.18 ERA in 18 appearances. He struck out 49 batters in 45 innings pitched.
