As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, one Southwest Florida pitcher is waiting for the call that could make a lifelong dream come true.Florida Gulf Coast University right-hander Justin Henschel has dreamed of playing professional baseball since childhood, long before his first college start or even his first high school inning.“Ever since I was a little kid, I had MLB posters up on my wall,” Henschel said. “My mom and I would watch Marlins games. It’s a dream come true.”Henschel arrived at FGCU as a walk-on and developed into the program’s Friday night starting pitcher. After a strong sophomore campaign in 2024, he entered 2025 as a top contributor and Friday night starter before a torn UCL ended his junior season just three starts into the year.“That was pretty crushing,” he said. “But I just buried myself in trying to help my team as much as I can.”Despite the injury, he was invited to the MLB Draft Combine in June — an opportunity to meet with scouts and executives and show he still belongs at the next level.”It was actually an incredible experience,” Henschel said. “I made a lot of connections out there. They’re all just people like me. That was pretty eye-opening.”FGCU head coach Dave Tollett, who has guided multiple players to the pros — including nine-time MLB All-Star Chris Sale — says Henschel still has what it takes.“Second to none,” Tollett said. “One of the best I’ve ever coached in 33 years. He’s self-made, he’s self-driven.”Tollett believes Henschel would have been a high-round pick if not for the injury.“If he wasn’t hurt, I think he’s a first- or second-rounder,” he said. “I think for sure he goes in the top 10 rounds.”For Henschel, the draft won’t be about bright lights or big stages. He plans to keep it simple and surround himself with the people who helped him get to this point.“I’m just going to go home and be with my family,” he said. “We might have dinner Sunday night with my grandparents. Keep it low-key until we make that MLB debut. That’s when it gets special.”Whether or not his name is called, Henschel is holding onto the belief that’s fueled him all along.“All I need is a chance,” he said.The 2025 MLB Draft begins Sunday, June 13, with rounds 1–3 kicking off at 6 p.m. ET, followed by rounds 4-20 on Monday, July 14, starting at 11:30 a.m.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, one Southwest Florida pitcher is waiting for the call that could make a lifelong dream come true.

Florida Gulf Coast University right-hander Justin Henschel has dreamed of playing professional baseball since childhood, long before his first college start or even his first high school inning.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I had MLB posters up on my wall,” Henschel said. “My mom and I would watch Marlins games. It’s a dream come true.”

Henschel arrived at FGCU as a walk-on and developed into the program’s Friday night starting pitcher. After a strong sophomore campaign in 2024, he entered 2025 as a top contributor and Friday night starter before a torn UCL ended his junior season just three starts into the year.

“That was pretty crushing,” he said. “But I just buried myself in trying to help my team as much as I can.”

Despite the injury, he was invited to the MLB Draft Combine in June — an opportunity to meet with scouts and executives and show he still belongs at the next level.

“It was actually an incredible experience,” Henschel said. “I made a lot of connections out there. They’re all just people like me. That was pretty eye-opening.”

FGCU head coach Dave Tollett, who has guided multiple players to the pros — including nine-time MLB All-Star Chris Sale — says Henschel still has what it takes.

“Second to none,” Tollett said. “One of the best I’ve ever coached in 33 years. He’s self-made, he’s self-driven.”

Tollett believes Henschel would have been a high-round pick if not for the injury.

“If he wasn’t hurt, I think he’s a first- or second-rounder,” he said. “I think for sure he goes in the top 10 rounds.”

For Henschel, the draft won’t be about bright lights or big stages. He plans to keep it simple and surround himself with the people who helped him get to this point.

“I’m just going to go home and be with my family,” he said. “We might have dinner Sunday night with my grandparents. Keep it low-key until we make that MLB debut. That’s when it gets special.”

Whether or not his name is called, Henschel is holding onto the belief that’s fueled him all along.

“All I need is a chance,” he said.

The 2025 MLB Draft begins Sunday, June 13, with rounds 1–3 kicking off at 6 p.m. ET, followed by rounds 4-20 on Monday, July 14, starting at 11:30 a.m.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.