Southeast Missouri outfielder Justin Dirden has signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros.
The O'Fallon, Missouri native boasted a .900 slugging percentage and was 9-of-9 in stolen bases at the time his senior season ended. Dirden was also hitting .414 with 20 runs scored, 29 hits, nine home runs and 26 RBI. He had three doubles, a pair of triples and eight walks, as well. Dirden ranked second in the nation in home runs, while leading the Ohio Valley Conference in hits, home runs, RBI, total bases (63), and stolen bases. He rated fifth in the OVC in batting average (.414) and second in runs scored.
For his SEMO career, Dirden notched 101 hits, 66 runs, 22 doubles, 25 home runs and 94 RBI. He also stole 18-of-20 bases, posted a .442 on-base percentage, .708 slugging percentage and .986 fielding percentage.
Dirden was ranked second Hottest Senior Hitter by DI Baseball and earned Collegiate Baseball All-American Third-Team honors in 2020. He was also named CoSIDA Academic All-District®.
Dirden is now the only Redhawk alumni position player currently under contract with a Major League Baseball organization. Former two-time OVC Pitcher of the Year Joey Lucchesi is on the big-league roster as a starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres.
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