The Detroit Tigers have made a significant move in the 2024 MLB Draft by selecting Ethan Schiefelbein, a promising left-handed pitcher committed to UCLA, in the second round.
Hailing from California, Schiefelbein has garnered attention as one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in the 2024 draft class, showcasing his skills both domestically and internationally. His involvement with Team USA has been pivotal, highlighted by standout performances such as his dominant stint in Taiwan with the 18U team in 2023. During this tourney, Schiefelbein allowed just one run across nine innings while striking out 12 batters. His ability to perform under pressure was further demonstrated when he pitched a complete-game shutout to propel Corona High School to victory in the prestigious National High School Invitational earlier in April.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Schiefelbein may not possess the imposing physical stature of some of his peers, but his competitiveness and command of the mound set him apart. According to MLB’s scouting report, he features a diverse pitching repertoire, starting with a two-seam fastball that typically clocks in the 90-93 mph range. His curveball is noted for its deceptive trajectory, acting as a reliable pitch to keep hitters off balance. Scouts are particularly impressed with his slider, which has the potential to become a key strikeout weapon. Additionally, Schiefelbein demonstrates a promising changeup that could develop into an above-average offering over time.
Despite some technical aspects in his delivery, particularly in his lower body mechanics, Schiefelbein’s ability to consistently throw strikes and effectively manage at-bats has earned him praise. His mental makeup and knack for thriving against elite competition have drawn comparisons to past pitching talents from Corona High School, underscoring his potential as the best pitching prospect from the program since Tristan Beck, who went on to excel at Stanford.
Now faced with a pivotal decision, Schiefelbein must weigh the opportunity to embark on a professional baseball career with the Detroit Tigers against honoring his commitment to UCLA. The Bruins, who concluded the 2024 college baseball season with a record of 19-33, envision Schiefelbein as a cornerstone for their pitching staff, potentially making an immediate impact in bolstering their roster. While UCLA missed out on the NCAA Tournament this year after making a Regional appearance in 2023, their aspirations to advance to Super Regionals and beyond highlight the significance of Schiefelbein’s potential contribution.
As Schiefelbein contemplates his future, both the Tigers and UCLA stand to benefit from his remarkable talent and the promise he holds as a standout pitcher poised to make waves at the collegiate or professional level. His decision will undoubtedly shape not only his own career path but also the trajectory of both teams vying for his exceptional abilities on the mound.
