Pick 14.420 – LHP – Zach
Crotchfelt – Troy
Zach Crotchfelt (full
name: Zachary Bryant Crotchfelt) is a left-handed pitcher (LHP) born on October
3, 2003, in Neptune, New Jersey.
He stands 6'4" and weighs 225 lbs.
High School: He attended Jackson Memorial High School, where
he was a standout. As a senior in 2022, he posted a 1.07 ERA with 130
strikeouts in 65 innings (leading New Jersey in Ks), earning All-State and
national honors. He was rated as a top lefty prospect (top 10 nationally among
LHPs by some outlets) and committed to Auburn.
Auburn (2023–2024): Mixed results in the SEC, with bullpen and occasional starting roles. Struggled with consistency and
command at times.
Transferred to Texas Tech (2025).
Finished at Troy University (2026): Had his best season as a
multi-inning reliever (7-3, 3.49 ERA, 81 Ks
in 67 IP). Contributed to Troy’s strong run, including a College World Series
appearance.
Fastball:
Primary pitch with good velocity for a college lefty (touched 93 mph in high school showcases; likely
sits in the low-to-mid 90s in college). It has carry and he commands it to all
quadrants.
Breaking
Ball: Big, bending 2-8 curveball (or slider variant) for strikeouts and
deception.
Changeup:
Straighter change that he sells well off his fastball for off-speed deception.
He has a compact, repeatable delivery with some deception
from his 3/4 arm slot and long arms. Scouts have noted his starter potential
and "left-handed juice," though he mostly relieved in college
(especially at Troy). His strikeout stuff stands out (career college K/9 around
10+), but walk rates have been a point of focus for development.
As a pro with the Mets, expect refinement of command and
possibly a more defined pitch mix as he advances.
Instagram (@zach_crotchfelt)
Pick 15.450 – RHP – Dustin
Hagens – University of Missouri-St. Louis
Dustin Hagens (full name
Dustin Hagens Jr.) is a right-handed pitcher (RHP) drafted by the New York Mets
in the 15th round (450th overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft out of NCAA Division II
University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL).
Listed at 6-1, 185 lbs. He has an athletic, projectable
build that should benefit from professional strength and conditioning.
Hometown: Fulton, Missouri; played high school ball at
Fulton.
College stats (UMSL Tritons, GLVC):
2024 (Fr): 3-5, 9.90 ERA, 50 IP, 80 K, high walk rate.
2025 (So): 3-5, 5.46 ERA, 56 IP, 84 K.
2026 (Jr): 39.1 IP, 3.89 ERA,
57 K, plus six saves; strong strikeout stuff with improved command at times.
He earned GLVC Pitcher of the Week honors in April 2026 for
dominant relief work (e.g., shutout innings, high K/9).
Hagens showed significant strikeout ability in college (high
K/9 rates) but battled
consistency, walks, and home runs early on. His 2026 performance as a
reliever/hybrid arm helped him get drafted.
Pitching Repertoire
Scouting reports (primarily from his pre-draft/college days
and draft coverage) describe him as athletic with a live arm:
Fastball:
Primary pitch, sitting 92-94 mph and touching 96-97
mph (up from high school velo in the upper 80s). It has good life and
plays well due to his athletic delivery.
Breaking
balls: He "can spin a couple" — likely a curveball and/or
slider (described as slurvey-type in high school, in the 60s-70s range back
then, now presumably firmer). These generate swing-and-miss.
Changeup:
Mentioned in earlier high school reports (70-73 mph range).
Overall arsenal: Fastball-heavy with multiple breaking
options for swing-and-miss. As a DII arm, he has "clay to mold" — pro
development will focus on refining command, adding strength/velocity
consistency, and sharpening secondaries.
Outlook
Hagens is a classic later-round senior sign with upside as a
reliever or potential starter. His athleticism, rising velocity, and strikeout
stuff give him a shot to climb the Mets system. Expect him to start in
short-season or low minors in 2026, focusing on durability and pitch execution.
MACK – typical $10,000 bonus senior designed to help save
money to balance overall usage of bonus pool. Nothing more.
Rating - F
1 comment:
Crotchfelt is an interesting case. With his length and mass he should be able to reach the higher velocities of today's pitchers. That seems like an easier adjustment than with some pitchers that are already throwing hard but not accurately. Let's see what the Mets can do with this guy.
Post a Comment