AMHERST, Mass. -- Christian Fagnant, who graduated in May from Amherst College, has signed a contract to play professionally for the Washington Nationals organization. 

Previously, Fagant had been selected in the 39th round of the 2019 Major league Baseball Amateur Draft, but elected to attend Amherst. 

Fagnant  has reported to the Nationals' mini-camp in West Palm Beach, part of the Florida Complex League.

"I was super excited when the Nationals asked if I would sign," he told Tim Jensen of Patch.com. . "It was kind of surreal, the opportunity I've wanted my whole lifetime.

"A lot of people have been in my corner throughout my whole career, including my parents, brothers and every coach I've had, from East Granby to Amherst and everywhere in between. I'm blessed for the opportunity of a lifetime, and I look forward to making them all proud."

In his senior season for the Mammoths, Fagnant appeared in 27 of 36 games, starting 25 behind the plate. He batted .286 for Amherst with a .398 on-base percentage and a .495 slugging percentage thanks to four doubles and a team-high and career-high five home runs. He drove in 19 runs and scored a career-high 20 runs. 

Fagnant lost two seasons to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but helped the Mammoths go 62-43-2 in 107 games over his final three seasons. 

Fagnant, whose father Ray played in the Boston Red Sox organization for three seasons, reaching the AA level, finished his Amherst career with a .276 batting average and .373 on-base percentage over the course of 78 games, 72 of which he started. 

"I am extremely excited for Christian, he is getting the chance to live out his childhood dream and get paid to play a game he loves," Amherst head coach J.P. Pyne said. "We are all proud of Christian and look forward to following his career!"