Former Kansas pitcher J’Briell Easley has opted to join the Texas Rangers, as announced by KU on Thursday evening. Easley, who did not get drafted, had eligibility left after his redshirt junior season with KU in 2024 but decided to pursue a professional career instead. He becomes the second Jayhawk to be acquired by the reigning World Series champions, following catcher and first baseman Ben Hartl, a 14th-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft earlier in the week.
Originally from Shawnee, Oklahoma, Easley spent two years at Cowley College in Arkansas City before transferring to Kansas in January 2023, coinciding with head coach Dan Fitzgerald’s first season at KU. His time at Kansas was interrupted by injury, limiting him to just one appearance in a KU uniform before April 2024, with a total of 10 games played and six starts.
Easley’s stock rose towards the end of the season, notably starting against Oklahoma in the Big 12 tournament where he struck out 11 batters over 4 2/3 innings, giving the Jayhawks a competitive edge against the conference champions despite being charged with three earned runs. This performance showcased his potential in his final game for Kansas.
Initially planning to enter the transfer portal in late June, Easley’s decision to sign professionally supersedes that plan. His signing follows KU’s active presence in the 2024 MLB Draft, which saw six of their players selected by various teams including Hartl by the Rangers, marking a significant addition to the Kansas contingent in the professional ranks.
