Drafted in the 20th round (602nd overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015.
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Burden had a tremendous junior season at NCAA Division II Chowan (N.C.), leading his conference in both home runs (eight) and saves (five) while ranking third in batting (.407) and stolen bases (19). A strong athlete, the Blue Jays liked him for his arm strength and signed him for $70,000 as a 2015 20thround pick despite the fact he pitched just 48 innings in three college seasons with a 9.87 career ERA. Burden is raw but has started improving his delivery while maintaining the arm strength that produces 92-95 mph fastballs with late life. He also has shown some ability for a hard, low-80s slider that shows some bite. He's a hard worker who has dived headfirst into being a full-time pitcher, and his delivery has plenty of energy that he may have to tone down. He fits the short, power reliever prototype and could move quickly, seeing as he finished 2015 at short-season Vancouver.
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