Nebraska OF Ryan Boldt taken by the Tampa Bay Rays With The 53rd pick in the MLB Draft

Ryan Boldt was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft. Boldt who projects as a corner outfielder could either elect to return to Nebraska for his senior season, or choose to start his Major League career.

Congrats to Ryan Boldt on being taken 53rd overall by the @RaysBaseball

— Nebraska Baseball (@Husker_Baseball) June 10, 2016

Boldt will most likely turn pro after playing three seasons in Lincoln, where he has amassed 223 hits. Boldt never tapped into the raw power while in Lincoln, but his defense is viewed as major league ready.

2 (53): @RaysBaseball select Nebraska OF Ryan Boldt. https://t.co/H3lNw2a2Yi #MLBDraft

— MLB Draft Tracker (@MLBDraftTracker) June 10, 2016

Boldt finished his junior season by batting only .208 in his final 25 contests, a particularly rough stretch. Boldt who hit .344 last season, and .311 in his freshman campaign still has upside, as he recently he has shown to be a bit unlucky.

Still waiting for Ryan Boldt to learn to drive the ball, but a CF with physicality and athleticism. Some upside at pick 53 for #Rays.

— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) June 10, 2016

Tamp Bay will have to navigate having only the 13th largest bonus pool in the draft to sign Boldt who comes with a slot value just under 1.2 million dollars. Boldt who turned down a million dollar offer from the Red Sox may sign for under slot value.

Signing bonus slot value of the 53rd pick: $1,195,500. The Rays have the 13th-largest bonus pool

— Jon Nyatawa (@JonNyatawa) June 10, 2016