Minnesota Twins prospect Ryan Costello of Wethersfield, Connecticut died on Monday of natural causes at the age of 23 according to ESPN. Costello was found dead in his Auckland hotel room. He had been playing for the Auckland Tuatara in New Zealand of the Australian Baseball League.
Costello was originally drafted in the 31st round by the Seattle Mariners of the 2017 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He was then traded from the Mariners to the Minnesota Twins with minor league pitcher Chase De Jong of Long Beach, California for 2009 National League all-star pitcher Zach Duke of Clifton, Texas on July 30, 2018.
A first baseman and third baseman, Costello played this past year with the Fort Myers Miracle in the Florida State League (high A ball), and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League (double A). He batted .240 with seven home runs and 21 runs batted in with the Blue Wahoos and .213 with eight home runs and 25 runs batted in with the Miracle.
Costello arrived in New Zealand just last week according to the Auckland Tuatara website. He was expected to be a major contributor for Auckland while playing third base.
Costello batted left and threw right. He played three seasons at the National Collegiate Athletic Association level with Central Connecticut State University from 2015-2017.
It has been a tough season for the Tuatara. They are currently in last place in the Australian Baseball League Northeast Division with a record of 14 wins and 26 losses. They are 11 games back of the Brisbane Bandits and the Sydney Blue Sox.
