KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Former Western Michigan baseball players Drew Devine (2017-21) and Nic Laio (2016-18) have each signed new contracts for the upcoming 2024 professional baseball season. Devine has signed with Tecos de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League, while Laio has latched on with Lexington of the Atlantic League. 

After seeing limited playing time in his first two professional seasons, Devine enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023, playing in 100 games for the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association. The Marshall, Mich., native batted .282 with seven home runs, 27 doubles, 37 RBIs and 12 steals on the way to earning the starting shortstop spot for the West Division in the 2023 American Association All-Star Game and the 2023 Lincoln Saltdogs Team MVP award. 

Devine joins a Tecos de los Dos Laredos team which won the Mexican League North Division in 2023 at 50-36. They won their first two playoff series before falling to Algodoneros de Union Laguna in six games in the North Division Championship Series. This year's squad features a number of former Major Leaguers, including former Detroit Tigers pitcher Ian Krol. 

A former 20th round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2018, Laio spent three seasons in the minor leagues with Texas and the Pittsburgh Pirates before joining Devine with the Saltdogs in late 2022. The right-hander returned to Lincoln last season and totaled 22 appearances, including two starts, and racked up 45 strikeouts in 40.0 innings (10.1 K/9) of work.