All-American by Baseball America. Continuing to play as a shortstop, Gyorko batted .381 with 19 home runs and 57 RBIs in his junior year. He won the 2010 Brooks Wallace Award as the best shortstop in NCAA Division I. By the end of his junior season, Gyorko established himself as the Mountaineers career leader in batting average (.404), doubles (73), extra-base hits (113) and the single-season leader in walks (43), doubles (28), extra-base hits (48), and total bases (192). He also tied the WVU records for career home runs (35) and single-season home runs (19). Gyorko was considered a potential first- or second-round pick in the MLB Draft following his junior year, Though he had one more year of eligibility remaining at West Virginia, Gyorko said "it has always been my dream to play professionally" and that he would "go and play for a living" after his junior year. Professional career San Diego Padres Minor leagues Professional teams coveted Gyorko for his hitting ability, though they did not expect him to play shortstop at the professional level. Though his throwing arm was viewed as strong enough to allow him to play at any position in the infield, analysts believed that Gyorko would not have sufficient range or speed to play shortstop professionally, and Gyorko understood he would likely change positions. Regarding his defense, Gyorko said "where I play [on defense] isn't a big concern for me. I'm just ready for this chance to live a dream and it will all work out." The San Diego Padres drafted Gyorko in the second round, with the 59th overall selection, of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. They selected Gyorko as a third baseman. Gyorko signed with the Padres quickly, receiving a $614,700 signing bonus, while other draft selections held out for higher signing bonuses. After signing with the Padres, Gyorko was assigned to the Eugene Emeralds of the Class A Short Season Northwest League, where he hit .330 with five home runs, 18 RBIs, and 35 hits in 26 games. He was then promoted to the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Class A Midwest League. He hit a home run in his first at-bat with the TinCaps. Gyorko batted .284 with 46 hits in 42 games. Gyorko began the 2011 season with the Lake Elsinore Storm of the Class A-Advanced California League. He split time between third base and designated hitter, as