MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—Junior shortstop JC Cardenas became the highest pick in program history on Tuesday as he was selected in the sixth round (182 overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

"It was always my goal to get drafted," Cardenas said. "My dream, since I was a little kid, has been to play pro ball. The Blue Jays were my first workout and they've been following me since high school. It feels really good to be going somewhere I'm wanted and appreciated."

Cardenas put together an outstanding junior campaign. He was second on the team with a .352 average and 57 hits. He led the squad with 46 runs scored, four triples, 24 stolen bases. He also led the team with a .519 slugging percentage and .457 on-base average. He had 17 multi-hit games and had a streak of 29 straight game reaching base safely.

Cardenas will report to the Blue Jays minor league facility in Dunedin, Fla., and from there be assigned in the system.

"I want to thank all the coaches at Barry University: head coach Marc Pavao, assistant coaches Alex Gonzalez, Kevin Howard, Chris Leon and Erik Buisine for always pushing me to the limit to be the best player I can be," Cardenas said. "I can't thank them enough for the opportunity to play at Barry University and have a chance to live out my dream."

Cardenas tops the mark of 307 (10^th round-Washington Nationals) set by right-hander Manny Rodriguez in the 2011 draft. Catcher Yan Gomes, the only Buccaneer currently in the majors, was tabbed 310 (10^th round-Blue Jays) in the 2009 draft. He is the 16th player drafted from the Bucs since 2006.