On paper on projections, the New York Yankees are set up with talent pieces in the near future. The club possesses’ promising results from various amateur drafts. Looking at the Yankees in the near future, prospect pitcher Zach Messinger comes to light.
One Promising Pitcher Approaching His 2025 Yankees Debut
The Yankees have done their part to an extent to ensure their pitching staff is competitive for this coming season. Free agent additions strengthen the bullpen’s back end and mid-relief parts, along with the starting rotation.
In the mixed importance of the pitching additions is the advancement and development of prospects. Messenger is expected to be up at 161st Street sometime this year, and his longevity is pertinent to the club.
He is one amongst other prospects, such as Brock Selvidge, to get his peak at the big stage. What can we expect Messinger to offer?
Zach Messinger’s Background and College Display
The pitching prospect, Messinger is a product of the Atlantic Coast Conference in the NCAA division one competition. He spent three seasons at the University of Virginia. Messinger was drafted by the Yankees in the 2021 MLB draft in the 13th round.
Messinger’s projected draft position was between 15 to 16. However, a good showing in his junior season raised his draft stock. The pitcher signed and accepted a $225,000 bonus.
2019 and 2020 at Virginia University showed scarce innings for the pitcher due to unfortunate circumstances in a global emergency. He saw 29 innings in his first year and only 13 and 2 / 3 innings in his sophomore year.
His performance was key in those 13 2 / 3 innings, as he struck out 22 batters, only walking three. This translated to 2021 when he worked 57 innings effectively and used his repertoire well. His effectiveness with batters forced strikeouts and roll-over outs.
Yankees scouting personnel saw the potential projection in the right-hander and fit him into the 20-round selection process.
Messinger’s Minor League Overview
The Yankees prospect came right out the gate in 2022 to start his career in single-A Tampa. The Yankees worked him for 83 and 2 /3 innings for repetition to boost his development and innings of work.
His first year’s showings were decent. His record was 1-8. However, this did not reflect his ability to work effectively off the mound. With a 4.30 ERA, Messinger worked against 361 batters, striking out 112, walking 45.
Messinger repeated a similar level of production the next season, in 2023. He finished with a 1-10 record, a 4.35 ERA, 120 strikeouts, and 54 walks. The key detail here was a quick promotion from high-A to double-A Somerset.
2024 was a key year for the pitching prospect, as his pathway to the big leagues is in excavation. Messinger started and ended the season in Somerset, remaining effective and competitive.
He showed significant improvements and capabilities. He stretched his innings of work to 150, showing the ability to work longer, deeper outings, and more workloads. His ERA improved significantly, finishing at 3.06 on the year, from a high of 4.35 within his minor league career.
Prospect Specs and Physical Abilities
We know his numbers are impressive and promising. What makes this appealing is Messinger’s physicality and pitch-ability. He towers at 6’6” on the hill at a 225-pound powerhouse structure.
His cross-body strength puts him in the advantage of pitch velocity. Messinger has been up to 99 mph on the gun. He averages within 93-95 mph with decent command, which could be heavily improved.
The changeup and curveball could be viable options; however, they’re barely used and lack development. This puts the fastball as his primary use, and the slider as his put-away option.
The slider produces good sweeping action, missing barrels and throwing batters off-balance. He works this option in the mid-80s range, and usually, it’s highly effective.
When Could He Arrive?
Messinger will be up in 2025 unless there are any setbacks. He’s expected to start in double-A or triple-A. He could get the call in May, and the roster expansions later in the year could be the latest.
Messinger will start in a relief role to ease into the league and offer depth to the staff when he arrives. His spring training will be highly crucial to where he starts the year.
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