FIU second baseman Eddie Silva signed a free agent deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. Silva becomes the second Panther this season to join the pro ranks after FIU pitcher Andres Nunez was drafted by the Kansas City Royals earlier this month.

"What a great and deserving opportunity for Eddie," said FIU head coach Mervyl Melendez. "He not only had a great year for our team but he was able to be a true leader for a young team. We wish Eddie much success throughout his professional baseball career."

Silva had his finest season in an FIU uniform in 2018. The redshirt junior hit a team-leading 16 home runs and had a team-leading 48 RBI while batting .321. Silva also led the Panthers with a .686 slugging percentage. 

Silva, who was named to the All-Conference USA First Team, hit the most home runs in Conference USA this season along with Southern Miss's Matt Wallner, who also went deep 16 times. Silva was second in the league in slugging.

The 16 home runs hit by Silva tied for the sixth most in a single FIU baseball season. Silva tied Hiram Silfa, who hit 16 home runs in 1999.

Earlier this season Silva was named Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week after hitting .600 with four home runs and 12 RBI during the week of April 16-22. He was also honored as Conference USA's Hitter of the Week.