Maryland right-hander Jamal Wade was taken in the 17th round (513th overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners Wednesday. Wade, a junior from Owings Mills, Maryland, is the third Terp taken in this year’s draft, and the second pitcher.

Wade came to Maryland as one of the top third base prospects in the state, and quickly transitioned to the outfield as a freshman. He quickly showed power at the plate, as his first three hits were home runs, but struggled to find consistency, striking out 29 times in 91 at bats. After a freshman season in which he hit .231 with five homers, Wade’s hitting struggles continued as a sophomore in 2016. He made just four starts and 19 appearances, hitting .111.

Over the summer, with the NECBL’s Keene Swamp Bats, Wade came in to pitch in a mop-up role and impressed. He finished the summer with 21 strikeouts in 11.1 innings, while hitting .267 in 75 at bats.

Returning to Maryland as a junior, Wade decided to focus on pitching. He made 17 appearances out of the bullpen this season with the Terps, finishing with a lofty 5.03 ERA but with 33 strikeouts. The right-hander can hit the mid-90s with his fastball, and has a devastating curveball to go along with it.

Wade is the brother of LaMonte Wade, a former Terps outfielder who was drafted in the 9th round of the 2015 Draft by the Minnesota Twins.

Prior to the draft, MBN’s Joe Malfa broke down Wade’s draft prospects.