2025 Draft - Mets Pick 19.583 - RHP - Joe Scarborough - Jacksonville State

 

Joe Scarborough is a right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville State University (JSU), selected by the New York Mets in the 19th round (583rd overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft on July 14, 2025. A senior from Biloxi, Mississippi, Scarborough stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs approximately 205 pounds. He transferred to JSU after two seasons at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) and was a standout two-way player earlier in his career before focusing primarily on pitching.

College Career

2025 at Jacksonville State:

Appeared in 17 games, primarily as a relief pitcher - 26 strikeouts, and 14 walks. His ERA was around 5.00, reflecting some inconsistency but also his ability to generate strikeouts.

2023-2024 at EMCC: As a two-way player, he hit .306 with four home runs and 25 RBIs in 2024, while also pitching effectively, though specific pitching stats are not detailed.

Named a standout at EMCC, contributing to his transfer to JSU for Division I exposure.

Role: Transitioned from a two-way player to a full-time reliever at JSU, often used in high-leverage situations due to his velocity and strikeout ability.

Repertoire

Based on scouting reports and posts on X, Scarborough’s pitching arsenal includes:

Fastball: Sits 94-97 mph, touching 98 mph, with good life and arm-side run. Noted for its velocity in his outing against Troy, where he hit 97 mph. This is his primary weapon, generating swings and misses but occasionally catching too much of the plate.

Slider: Mid-80s (82-86 mph), with sharp, late break, serving as his go-to secondary pitch for strikeouts. Described as “nasty” in draft discussions, with potential to be a plus pitch.

Changeup: Low-80s, used sparingly, with some fade but still developing consistency. Less prominent than his fastball-slider combo.

Curveball: High-70s to low-80s, occasionally mixed in to change eye levels, but not as refined as the slider.

His fastball-slider combination is his strength, with the high-velocity fastball and sharp slider making him a candidate for a power reliever role. His command needs refinement to reduce walks and home runs.

Scouting and Future

Scarborough’s size, velocity (up to 98 mph), and strikeout ability make him an intriguing late-round pick with upside as a middle reliever or setup man in pro ball. His transition from a two-way player to a pitcher-only role suggests untapped potential, but his control (high walk rate) and occasional hittability are areas for improvement. The Mets, who drafted him, likely see him as a developmental arm who could climb their system with refined command. His 19th-round slot value was around $150,000, and as a senior, he’s likely to sign, starting in the Mets’ minor league system, possibly at Low-A St. Lucie or the Florida Complex League Mets.

                        Mack –

        My guess he was drafted for his 98mph fastball. All the rest can be defined.

        He's also been know to do a newscast or two.

                        Rating - Incomplete