FREDERICK, MD – Two more former Keys pitchers signed minor league contracts over the last week as 2024 right-handed hurlers Beau Blanchard and Jake Curtis inked deals with the Cincinnati Reds, and the Chicago White Sox.
Blanchard, who just got assigned to the Arizona Complex League Reds Rookie Ball team, is headed to the Queen City. This level of baseball serves as the first step in which rookies from across all MLB teams play before getting called up to affiliated baseball. During his second half in Frederick, he threw in 13 games and made four starts across 29 innings of work.
Throughout his 29 innings pitched, the Loreauville, Louisiana native recorded a 4.03 ERA and a 1-0 record, while only allowing five walks and totaling 21 strikeouts. After having three straight scoreless outings in relief, he finished last season with back-to-back starts.
Blanchard completed his college career last spring with the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe with a 5.40 ERA across 55 innings pitched in 2024. His college career was capped off by a season-high seven strikeouts in a 7-6 win against Arkansas State last May during the final game of the regular season.
As for Curtis, he’ll head down to Arizona to play for the Arizona Complex Legue White Sox Rookie Ball team following his strong finish in the Key City last summer as one of several starters in the second half rotation.
In 38 innings pitched, the former Memphis Tiger made seven starts in eight appearances for Frederick and accumulated a 3.32 ERA and 22 strikeouts. His best outing took place against the Williamsport Crosscutters on August 20 in which he tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing only four hits across 32 batters faced at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
As a two-way player for the Tigers, Curtis had a 3.25 ERA in 27.2 innings during his senior season last year and recorded 30 strikeouts compared to allowing four walks. He also hit four homers and had 20 RBIs in 54 games played, all while leading the team in walks drawn with 38.
The Frederick Keys begin their 2025 season against the West Virginia Black Bears on Wednesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Single game tickets for the 2025 season are now on sale and fans can visit our website to purchase tickets now. The promotional schedule is now available for this season. Make sure to check out our website for the full schedule.
