The New York Mets selected 18-year old RHP Peter Kussow from Arrowhead HS (WI).
He is recognized as the top high
school baseball prospect in the state for the 2025 MLB Draft. Standing at
6-foot-5 and weighing 200-215 pounds, Kussow has drawn significant attention
from MLB scouts due to his elite pitching arsenal and physical development.
Here’s a detailed overview based
on available information:
Pitching Profile
Fastball:
Kussow’s fastball is a standout, consistently clocking in the 93-97 mph range,
with a peak of 97 mph. It features late
arm-side run and rides through the strike zone effectively, generating high
strikeout rates. His fastball has been described as one
of the best in the country for its velocity, spin (2400-2600 rpm), and command.
Slider: His signature pitch, considered among the
best in the prep ranks nationally, is a slider thrown at 79-88 mph with sharp, late two-plane break and
spin rates averaging 2484-2700 rpm. It’s a
wipeout pitch he can land for strikes early in counts or use to finish batters.
Changeup:
Kussow rounds out his three-pitch mix with a changeup at 82-90 mph, featuring fade and depth. It
complements his fastball well and enhances his profile as a potential starting
pitcher.
Delivery:
He throws from a high three-quarter arm slot with a loose, long arm action and
a drop-and-drive delivery, creating a deceptive downhill plane from a 5’8”
release height. His athleticism and ability to repeat his mechanics are notable
for his size.
Performance
Highlights2025 Season: Kussow
had a dominant senior year, finishing with a 5-1 record, a sub-1.50 ERA, and 75 strikeouts in 42.1 innings. A standout
performance was a complete-game no-hitter against Kettle Moraine, where he
struck out 16 batters in 93 pitches. He also threw a complete-game win against
Muskego and contributed to Arrowhead’s 10-0 victory over Waukesha South.
Awards and Recognition: Named
the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Baseball Player of the Year for 2024-25. He
was the only Wisconsin high school pitcher invited to the 2025 MLB Draft
Combine in Phoenix, highlighting his status as a top prospect.
Other Notable Games: Kussow
competed against top competition, including a win against Catholic Memorial
(8-0) and a 1-0 shutout against Kettle Moraine. He also pitched in the Division
1 Quarterfinal against Westosha Central.
Background and Development
Physical Maturation: Kussow has
transformed from a lanky kid into a physically imposing pitcher, filling out
his 6-foot-5 frame since his sophomore year. His work ethic and training
regimen, including strength and conditioning through Arrowhead’s program and
independent lessons, have been key to his velocity gains.
Multi-Sport Athlete: Kussow
played football (flag and tackle) through his freshman year before focusing on
baseball. His athletic background contributes to his mound presence and
durability.
Injury
Recovery: He missed parts of his junior year due to injury but made a
strong return, showcasing his resilience and improved stuff in 2025.
MLB Draft Outlook
Projection: Scouts project
Kussow as a potential top-five-round pick in the July 2025 MLB Draft, with some
suggesting he could go as high as the third round. If signed, he may secure the
largest signing bonus ever for a Wisconsin prep pitcher, surpassing Kevin
James’ $625,000 in 2009.
Decision Point: Committed to the
University of Louisville, Kussow faces a choice between starting his college
career or turning professional. He has expressed admiration for Louisville’s
coaching staff and their track record of preparing players for the majors, but
his draft stock may tempt him to go pro.
Scout Praise: His coaches and
scouts highlight his unlimited potential, work ethic, and ability to dominate
with a three-pitch mix. His slider has been compared to that of New York
Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt for its sharp break and velocity.
Notable Quotes
Kussow on his slider: “I like my
slider, which I usually go to as my wipeout pitch and a pitch that I can also
land for strikes early in the count.”
Coach Nick Brengosz: “His slider
is one of the best for sure in the region if not in the entire United States
for prep.”
Pitching Coach Rob Becker: “He’s
just got such a skill set and you know work ethic that I mean the sky is the
limit for him.”
Mack –
It looks like we have found our
over-slot player.
Love
what I have written here and you know how I love power high school pitchers.
My
guess the Mets will not rush him and open him up next spring for the FCL team.
Right
now they have to pull out the stops to sign him.
Rating
– A+
2 comments:
Kussow looks like a smart quality pick. Like it.
Excellent selection.
Post a Comment