Drafted in the 11th round (331st overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 (signed for $100,000).
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A Minnesota prep product, Muckenhirn was the best pitcher for North Dakota's final team before the program disbanded. Muckenhirn opened the season by tossing a complete-game shutout against Southern California, then stifling Alabama for eight innings, allowing one run with 12 strikeouts. He's a three-pitch lefty whose stuff was at its best early, at times sitting 90-93 with late life on his fastball. His arm is quick, which makes it play up, and he can pitch up and down in the zone. His slider and changeup are fringe-average pitches that play up becaue of his fastball. Muckenhirn has been spreading the word that he may be a tough sign as he wants to transfer to an SEC school as a senior. Because North Dakota eliminated its program, Muckenhirn would not have to sit out for a season.
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The Orioles made Muckenhirn the highest-drafted player ever from North Dakota when they selected the Delano, Minn., native in the 11th round in 2016. Since the baseball program was disbanded after the season, he should hold that distinction for a while. Muckenhirn considered transferring to a Southeastern Conference school for his senior year but signed with Baltimore for $100,000 and joined short-season Aberdeen, where sharp control (three walks in 33 innings) helped him record a 2.43 ERA. He pitched at 90-93 mph with his fastball and complemented it with a slider and changeup that both presently grade fringe-average. His slider at times shows plus potential with nice spin and action, and he mixed pitches well enough to strike out 9.2 per nine innings. The Orioles value Muckenhirn's intelligence and athleticism, and he continued to make improvements during instructional league. He could start or relieve at low Class A Delmarva in 2017.
Draft Prospects
A Minnesota prep product, Muckenhirn was the best pitcher for North Dakota's final team before the program disbanded. Muckenhirn opened the season by tossing a complete-game shutout against Southern California, then stifling Alabama for eight innings, allowing one run with 12 strikeouts. He's a three-pitch lefty whose stuff was at its best early, at times sitting 90-93 with late life on his fastball. His arm is quick, which makes it play up, and he can pitch up and down in the zone. His slider and changeup are fringe-average pitches that play up becaue of his fastball. Muckenhirn has been spreading the word that he may be a tough sign as he wants to transfer to an SEC school as a senior. Because North Dakota eliminated its program, Muckenhirn would not have to sit out for a season.
Career Transactions
LHP Zach Muckenhirn assigned to Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners traded RHP Trevor Gott and RHP Chris Flexen to New York Mets for LHP Zach Muckenhirn.
Tacoma Rainiers activated LHP Zach Muckenhirn.
Syracuse Mets activated LHP Zach Muckenhirn.
New York Mets optioned LHP Zach Muckenhirn to Syracuse Mets.
Syracuse Mets activated LHP Zach Muckenhirn.
New York Mets optioned LHP Zach Muckenhirn to Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets recalled LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets recalled LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets optioned LHP Zach Muckenhirn to Syracuse Mets.
Syracuse Mets activated LHP Zach Muckenhirn.
New York Mets optioned LHP Zach Muckenhirn to Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets recalled LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets recalled LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets optioned LHP Zach Muckenhirn to Syracuse Mets.
Syracuse Mets activated LHP Zach Muckenhirn.
New York Mets optioned LHP Zach Muckenhirn to Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets selected the contract of LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse Mets.
New York Mets selected the contract of LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Syracuse Mets.
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