Northwestern shortstop Kyle Ruchim was drafted Saturday by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

After batting .365 with a .974 OPS in 2013 as a junior, Ruchim missed almost all of 2014 to arm surgery, qualifying him for a fifth year of eligibility.

Selected with the final pick of the 39th round, Ruchim has the option to sign with the Cardinals or return to NU for a fifth season, with the potential to be drafted again in a year.

An NU spokesman said Ruchim will discuss his options with his family and the Cardinals organization before deciding whether to sign.

The Wildcats have now had at least one player picked in each of the last six drafts and 16 of the last 17.

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