Just In: Huge Boost as UCLA Top-Tier Pitcher Commit In The Second Round Of The 2024 MLB Draft.

Detroit Tigers select UCLA LHP commit Ethan Schiefelbein in 2024 MLB Draft

Detroit Tigers Select UCLA Commit Ethan Schiefelbein in Second Round of 2024 MLB Draft

The Detroit Tigers have made a strategic choice in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft by selecting left-handed pitcher Ethan Schiefelbein, a standout from California committed to UCLA.

Schiefelbein, a highly regarded prospect, is one of the top left-handed high school pitchers in the 2024 draft cycle. His impressive resume includes multiple appearances for Team USA, where he shined as a key player on the 18U team in Taiwan in 2023. During his time with Team USA, Schiefelbein allowed just one run over nine innings and struck out 12 batters. He also delivered a complete-game shutout to help Corona win the National High School Invitational in April.

“At 6-foot-1, Schiefelbein isn’t the biggest or most physical pitcher in the class, but the left-hander makes up for it by being one of the most competitive arms in the crop,” reads MLB’s scouting report. “He has a four-pitch mix, starting with a two-seam fastball that typically sits in the 90-93 mph range. He favors his true top-to-bottom curve, but it’s more of a get-me-over kind of pitch. Scouts may prefer his harder slider, which has the chance to be a true out pitch. He has a good feel for a changeup, which could be above average in time.

“There is some effort in Schiefelbein’s delivery, particularly in his lower half, and he doesn’t have the longest extension in the world. But the UCLA recruit has shown the ability to throw strikes and clearly knows how to navigate an at-bat. His makeup and ability to get outs against top competition make him the best pitching prospect out of Corona High School since Tristan Beck played there before heading to Stanford.”

Schiefelbein now faces a pivotal decision: to begin his professional career with the MLB or to honor his commitment to UCLA. The Bruins, who finished the 2024 college baseball season with a 19-33 record, could greatly benefit from Schiefelbein’s talent. His reputation suggests he could make an immediate impact on their pitching staff next season. Despite earning a trip to a Regional in 2023, UCLA missed out on the NCAA Tournament this season and hasn’t advanced to a Super Regional since 2019. Their last College World Series appearance was in 2013, when they won the championship.

As Schiefelbein weighs his options, both the Tigers and the Bruins await his decision, hopeful for the promising pitcher’s future contributions.