Baltimore Orioles Select Joseph Dzierwa 58th in 2025 MLB Draft

The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move in the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting lefthander Joseph Dzierwa with the 58th overall pick. This event took place in Cumberland, Georgia, as the Orioles look to strengthen their roster despite currently sitting at the bottom of the American League East with a record of 43-52.

Dzierwa, a junior from Michigan State University, has emerged as a standout player, recently earning the title of 2025 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. Over the past season, he maintained an impressive 1.42 ERA across 18 starts, striking out 137 batters while allowing only 24 earned runs. This selection marks a milestone for the Spartans, as Dzierwa is the highest-drafted pitcher from the program since Mark Mulder, who was chosen second overall by the Oakland Athletics in 1998.

The draft profile for Dzierwa highlights his unique physical attributes and skill set. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, his size and arm angle allow him to effectively hide the ball from opposing batters. As noted in his profile, “Dzierwa’s size and arm angle help him hide the ball well and create deception without compromising his ability to throw strikes.” His pitching arsenal includes a fastball that ranges from 90 to 93 mph, peaking at 95 mph, along with a changeup in the low 80s.

While Dzierwa’s mechanics are effective, they present some challenges. His draft profile indicates that “his mechanics don’t make it easy to stay on top of a spin option,” which affects the reliability of his upper-70s slider and mid-80s cutter. Nonetheless, his ability to pinpoint his pitches and work the strike zone enhances his potential as a near-certain starter, with the possibility of fitting into a middle rotation role if he can develop a consistent breaking pitch.

Dzierwa’s journey to this point has not been without its twists. After his freshman year, he entered the transfer portal and received multiple offers, including one from Vanderbilt University. However, he ultimately returned to Michigan State just three weeks later, solidifying his position as the team’s ace.

As the Orioles look to the future, Dzierwa’s addition could play a pivotal role in their rebuilding efforts. If Drew French, the Orioles’ pitching coach, can help Dzierwa refine his mechanics, the young pitcher could evolve into a reliable starter and contribute significantly to the team’s performance in the coming seasons. The Orioles’ selection of Dzierwa reflects their commitment to developing talent that can help turn their fortunes around in a competitive league.