WARWICK – Jackson Mitchell described being selected by the Miami Marlins in Sunday’s Major League Baseball Draft out of Binghamton University as surreal, saying the days since hearing his name called have been a whirlwind.
The excitement will continue this weekend for the hard-throwing right-hander, whose fastball reaches 95 mph. Mitchell, a Warwick High School graduate, will sign with the Marlins during a ceremony with the club’s other draft picks Sunday at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
The Marlins selected Mitchell in the 19th round with the 565th overall pick.
“It’s an amazing feeling, and every decision I have made since I was 12 or 13 years old was aimed at getting drafted and playing Major League Baseball,” Mitchell said. “I look forward to getting to work and utilizing the resources the organization has to make me better.”
After signing, the 6-foot-4 right-hander will remain in Miami for another week to attend an orientation for new players, including meet-and-greets with members of the front office. He will receive his minor league assignment afterward. Mitchell recently completed his junior year at Binghamton, where he is majoring in pre-law and business.
He said he plans to complete his degree during Binghamton’s winter sessions.
Mitchell emerged as one of Binghamton’s most versatile pitchers this season, transitioning from the bullpen to the weekend starting rotation midway through the year. He made 16 appearances, including six starts, and earned second-team All-America East honors after compiling a 3-1 record with a conference-leading four saves.
Mitchell finished the season with a 4.22 ERA, striking out 51 batters in 49 innings while holding opponents to a .206 batting average. He also contributed at the NCAA Morgantown Regional, striking out two batters in two innings against nationally ranked West Virginia.
Over three seasons with the Bearcats, Mitchell posted a 6-1 record with nine saves, the third-most in program history. He struck out 103 batters in 92 2/3 innings.
“This has been my lifelong dream, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Mitchell said. “Binghamton provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dream, and I am excited to begin my career with Miami.”