Houghton pitcher Kade Farrell is shown between innings during a MHSAA Division 3 District 65 semifinal on Friday, June 4, 2021, in Houghton, Mich. (Adam Niemi/The Daily Mining Gazette)

HANCOCK — Houghton High School senior Kade Farrell has committed to play for the Finlandia University baseball team.  He is planning on majoring in international business.

“I’m extremely excited to welcome Kade to our baseball family. He will come in and fill various roles for us defensively,” Finlandia head coach Evan Brandt said of Farrell. “Kade can play anywhere on the field and his speed will allow him to be an asset within our defense anywhere we put him. Over the years I have watched Kade grow into a well-rounded infielder for Copper Country Legion and Houghton High School.

“Offensively, Kade shows an awesome understanding of small ball and being able to run the bases,” Brandt added. “I’m excited to see him cause some havoc on the bases. I think Kade has a lot of offensive potential and will help us score runs. He also pitches and will be called on occasionally for some innings out of the bullpen. Kade, like Erik Johnson (current member of the Finlandia team), will be called on to provide that super utility role. It will be fun to have those two guys on the same field in that kind of role.”

Farrell joins Carlos Granela (Florida City, Fla.), Caleb Rodriguez (Brandon, Fla.), Trent White (Middleburg, Fla.) and Cobi Woodfin (San Angelo, Texas) as recruits for 2023.