What has the past week been like for you?

Unbelievable. Obviously, a lot has gone on in my life recently. But, obviously, I think this kind of tops it, being a part of a great organization. They’ve had faith in me since the beginning, so being able to be here, be in Pittsburgh, amazing city, amazing fans as well. Being a part of this is definitely unbelievable.

Does it feel real that you’re a pro now that you’re at PNC Park?

Yeah. I think as soon as I put the jersey on, it kind of hit me. It kind of hit me hard as well, being able to share this moment with my family, agents, friends, just people who supported me. I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m just enjoying every bit of it.

What part of the process do you look forward to most?

I just love being at the field. Just being able to be a part of this great organization, trying to bring that winning culture back to Pittsburgh. Like I said, this is a great city, a great atmosphere. Being able to go out and play every day to my best ability and be able to do that is definitely what I’m looking forward to.

What are your first impressions of Pittsburgh?

It’s pretty cool. I came to the game (Monday), watched (Paul) Skenes pitch, and just being able to kind of look at the view, look at the view of Pittsburgh’s city line. It’s unbelievable, for sure.

Did you allow yourself to dream about maybe one day sharing a rotation with him?

Yeah, for sure. He shoved (Monday), and he’s probably going to shove for the rest of his life. If I could kind of follow his footsteps, that’d be great.

Who were the players you enjoyed watching while growing up?

Obviously, Paul Skenes, kind of one of one. Jared Jones, absolute stud, as well. Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, those kind of guys. Cy Young. You’ve got to watch the best to be the best.

What part of your game do you want to address and develop?

I think everything. Obviously, I’m never going to be perfect, so being able to kind of chase that perfection, whether that be mechanically, mentally or even physically. Being able to just kind of attack everything at once. I think I’m going to have a good support system going to Florida. So being able to hop in there and be able to get to work, it’s going to be good.

How excited are you to just focus on baseball?

Yeah, just pitching as well. I don’t have to hit anymore. So just kind of stick to that PO stuff and should be able to go out and just shove it up people’s butts.

How are you approaching the process of pitching in the minors?

I think I’m going to learn as I go, but I think the main thing is just keeping my head down. Obviously, I got to where I’m at today just from what I’ve done, so I definitely don’t want to mess anything up. But I have a good support system, like I said, so I don’t think it’s going to be too tough.

What did you experience in high school that prepared you for the pros?

Obviously, I kind of had a different route through high school, doing the online schooling type of thing. So I’m kind of used to that big league schedule, per se. I think I’m ready for it. I’m ready to get after it. Our season ended a couple months ago, so I’m already itching to get back on the field.

Who are the people you’ve leaned on throughout the process?

It takes a village. Family, obviously, they’re my No. 1. Also, the people who have supported me at Futures Training Center, where I train at, everybody there is awesome. So it takes a lot of people. I can’t name one, but obviously all have been great. And my faith is super important to me as well. So being able to kind of go through it with my faith and be able to trust God throughout this process has been huge for me.

How did you develop such a good changeup at a young age?

I think it was kind of just my bread and butter. Started throwing it my eighth grade year, kind of got a grip. Kind of just started throwing it then, and it was always pretty good. Always been able to turn the ball over pretty well. so I haven’t really changed too much with it. Kind of just throw it in and it feels good out of the hands.

With an advanced fastball and changeup, how much of your focus will be on developing the spin on your breaking pitches?

Yeah. I think those could always get better, make them a little harder, make them a little sharper. I think they’re pretty good right now. But like I said, I’m a perfectionist, so being able to perfect everything, whether that be mechanical or even on my pitch grips, or anything like that. I’m going to attack everything.

When did you realize that getting drafted could be a possibility?

It’s hard to say one moment. I’d say after this year. I had a good high school season. Even before that, I had a pretty good summer last year. It’s hard to say one specific time.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)