The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted prep right-handed pitcher Zander Mueth with the 67th overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft. Mueth has a commitment to Ole Miss. He was ranked 56th by Baseball America and 83rd by MLB Pipeline.
Zander Mueth, RHP, Belleville Township East HS
Age: 18 | DOB: 6/22/05 | HT: 6′ 6″ | WT: 205 | B/T: R/R
2023 Stats
Mueth had a 2.21 ERA in 31.2 innings in his senior year, striking out 56 and walking 19 batters. He dealt with control issues at times, but Baseball America noted that when he was synced up and filling up the strike zone, he looked dominant.
The Mechanics
He throws from a low three-quarters arm slot, with very fast arm action. He gets some deception from the arm slot, which can look like a sidearm pitch. The low slot also creates a lot of movement on his pitches, with sinking action on a few offerings.
The Pitches
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Mueth.
Fastball (55+): He’s gotten his fastball up to 97 MPH, but doesn’t hold that velocity late, and mostly sits in the 92-94 range. The pitch has a lot of armside run and heavy sink.
Slider (55): The slider has a sweeping break opposite from the fastball, and has the chance to be a swing and miss pitch. He lacks control of the movement sometimes.
Changeup (50+): His changeup features heavy sinking action that allows the pitch to flash plus, or grade above-average. He lacks the ability to consistently throw the pitch.
Control (45): He had trouble throwing strikes at times during his senior season.
Overall (45+): Mueth gives the Pirates a projectable arm from a big frame with a deceptive delivery. He just turned 18 a month ago, and has the makings of three average or better pitches, with the chance for multiple plus offerings, and inconsistent control.
