Puyallup’s ace pitcher opens a new chapter: The Washington Nationals selected Mason Pike in the 19th round (No. 561 overall) of Monday’s 2025 MLB Draft. Pike is a local two-way standout and was a cornerstone of Puyallup High’s nationally-ranked program this spring.
The 18-year-old high school senior spun nine shutouts (12 starts) in 2025 with a 5-1 record and 0.84 ERA, overpowering opponents with a high-90s fastball and four-pitch mix considered the best in the South Sound. The 4A SPSL’s Player of the Year tallied 112 strikeouts and 21 walks across 66.2 innings pitched.
Puyallup’s Mason Pike (3) pitches against Moses Lake during the opening round of the 4A State tournament at Heritage Recreation Center, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Puyallup, Wash. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com
Pike was The News Tribune’s All-Area Baseball Player of the Year in consecutive seasons and was named the 2025 Gatorade Washington Player of the Year. A two-way hopeful at the next level, he was Puyallup’s best hitter, pacing the Vikings in most major offensive categories: batting average (.482), RBI (28), doubles (14), and walks (20).
“It’s just been his drive and passion to be the best baseball player he can be,” newly-retired Puyallup head coach Marc Wiese told The News Tribune last month, “and to do everything to fulfill a dream.”
Pike was the No. 135 prospect in MLB.com’s draft rankings and considered an early-round pick, earning an overall 45 scouting grade as both a switch-hitter and right-hander. He’s made his desire to play both ways clear — but what isn’t known is whether Pike signs with Washington or plays for Oregon State University next spring, where he committed more than four years ago.
“Either (signing or OSU) would be super good for me,” Pike said last month. “Great options, for sure.”
On May 24, Pike took the state tournament by storm with a 17-strikeout no-hitter in Puyallup’s 5-0 win over Moses Lake. The Vikings reached No. 2 on MaxPreps’ national high school rankings before falling to Lake Washington, 8-1, in the 4A semifinals.
“He has dreams of being a big leaguer and winning a World Series someday,” Wiese said.
Puyallup’s Mason Pike (3) listen as coaches talk to players after Puyallup’s 8-4 victory at Curtis Senior High School, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in University Place, Wash. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com
ASTROS DRAFT MOUNT VERNON’S NEYENS
The Houston Astros selected SS Xavier Neyens with the 21st overall pick in the ‘25 MLB Draft, landing the state’s top overall prospect from Mount Vernon in the first round.
Neyens, 18, guided the Bulldogs to the Class 3A state title over Kennewick on May 31 and projects as a major-league third baseman (thanks to a rocket arm) despite a larger, 6-foot-4 frame.
There’s plenty of raw power from the left side after Neyens adjusted his swing and set-up, earning a 65-grade power tool from national scouts. There’s concern regarding his increased strikeout rate this spring, but the Astros certainly won’t rush him to the majors, allowing for steady development in a farm system lacking third basemen.
Neyens is the first high-school position player selected by Houston since 2015.