From first overall pick to All-Star: the resilient career of Casey Mize
In short: Selected as the top prospect in the 2018 MLB draft, Casey Mize faced the immense pressure of high expectations. From collegiate no-hitters to recovering from Tommy John surgery, his journey through the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres highlights the grueling physical demands of professional pitching.
Casey Mize’s ascent began at Auburn University, where he established himself as a dominant force. On March 9, 2018, he threw the ninth no-hitter in Auburn's program history against the Northeastern Huskies. This performance helped propel him to the top of the 2018 MLB draft, where the Detroit Tigers selected him with the first overall pick.
Mize's professional career has been a test of endurance against both competition and injury. After signing with the Tigers on June 25, 2018, with a $7.5 million bonus, he faced significant setbacks. In 2022, a right elbow sprain led to Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of that season and the entirety of 2023 as he focused on recovery.
His resilience was rewarded in 2025 when he was named an MLB All-Star. During that season, he posted a 14–6 record and a 3.87 ERA over 149 innings. After being traded to the San Diego Padres in August 2026, Mize continued to navigate the complexities of professional baseball, transitioning from the Tigers' rotation to a new chapter in the National League.
On the mound, Mize relies on a diverse arsenal to navigate batters. His primary weapons include a four-seam fastball that averages between 93 and 96 MPH, topping out at 98 MPH. He also utilizes a splitter, which he increased in velocity to 90 MPH or higher during his standout 2025 campaign.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Casey Mize
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