Calvin Ziegler Stats & Scouting Report

IP	6
ERA	0
WHIP	.33
BB/9	3
SO/9	19.5

Full name Calvin William Ziegler
Born 10/03/2002 in Kitchener, ON, Canada
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School TNXL Academy
Drafted in the 2nd round (46th overall) by the New York Mets in 2021 (signed for $910,000).

View Draft Report

The 18-year-old hard-throwing righthander is likely to be the first Canadian high schooler off the draft board this year, though he spent his entire spring playing south of the border to get in some time on the mound while his home province remained under strict pandemic protocols. Ziegler has consistently added velocity to his fastball, getting it up to 97 mph this spring, sitting in the low-to-mid 90s. His curveball is solid-average, and he’s flashed a consistent top-to-bottom breaker with the potential to be a plus pitch. His mid-80s changeup has been good, though Ziegler hasn’t always had a chance to get to it because of his inconsistency with his strike throwing. His stuff has always been there, and he took a step forward with his control earlier this year but recent looks indicate that there might have been some regression. He’s shown an ability to make significant progress in a short timeframe, and has had an improved presence on the mound this year. There’s not a lot of projection left in his 6-foot, 205-pound frame. Ziegler is committed to Auburn, but the interest he’s drawn could easily see him head to pro ball.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Because of travel restrictions, Canadian prep Ziegler had to enroll at a Florida charter school to be scouted for the 2021 draft. The Mets drafted Ziegler in the second round and signed him for $910,000, more than $700,000 under slot. They expected to apply the bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, but he didn’t sign. In his 2022 pro debut, Ziegler struck out 35% of batters for Low-A St. Lucie, though he walked nearly 18% and pitched just 46.2 innings. At 2023 spring training, his range of motion was restricted and led to surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow.

Scouting Report: During his rehab from elbow surgery, Ziegler tore his right quad, which delayed his return. He made it back for one Sept. 9 start for St. Lucie in which he struck out the side in one clean inning of work. Known for his power fastball and curveball as an amateur, Ziegler gets excellent ride on his 95 mph fastball and both power and depth on his low-80s curveball. He experimented with a splitter in 2022 but could not control it. He tried a spread-finger changeup grip in 2023 but didn’t throw it in his lone appearance. Ziegler worked to incorporate a power slider at the fall pitching camp, and developing it was his offseason project. If he can rein it in, that would give him a pitch to use to get back into counts. When healthy in 2022, his control was well below-average, hinting at a possible future in the bullpen.

The Future: Elbow injuries are tricky, and Ziegler has had incomplete seasons in each of the past four. A healthy 2024 would help clarify his upside and timetable.

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 40 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 40
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Ziegler knows all about the pandemic making it difficult for Canadian high school prospects to be scouted. He went undrafted in 2020 and had to play tournaments for a Florida charter school and pitch for an Ohio travel team in 2021 to be seen for the draft. The Mets liked Ziegler's power arsenal and signed him for $910,000 as a second-round pick, expecting to apply the bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, who did not sign. Because of Ziegler's long layoff, the Mets deployed him cautiously at Low-A St. Lucie in 2022, keeping him on tight pitch counts and having him sit out roughly six weeks at midseason with general soreness.

Scouting Report: Ziegler missed bats at a rate few teenage pitchers could match in 2022. The issue for him will be not missing the strike zone as much after he walked 35 in 46.2 innings. Ziegler's 35.2% strikeout rate ranked sixth among teens with more than 12 starts. His fastball averages 94 mph touches 96 with plus ride up in the zone. Ziegler's curveball has top-to-bottom shape at 78-84 mph and can be a plus pitch for him if he learns to command it for strikes. Ziegler didn't throw a changeup as an amateur, so he added a splitter in 2022 to give him a usable third pitch. His north-south attack is highly effective on young, inexperienced hitters. Improving his overall command will help the strategy play as he advances. Ziegler has a long arm stroke and tends to catapult toward the hitter. Adding strength to help him repeat his mechanics will help him throw more strikes and stay in the rotation. Ziegler has a fiery, competitive demeanor and always seems to be in motion.

The Future: Ziegler has velocity and feel to spin, if not much physical projection. A mid-rotation outcome is possible in three or four years, but first he moves to High-A Brooklyn in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 60. Splitter: 40. Control: 45.
Track Record: Ziegler is an Ontario prep who took unusual measures to be seen by scouts after not being drafted in 2020. With Canada on tighter Covid restrictions in 2021, Ziegler traveled south to pitch in tournaments for TNXL Academy, a Florida charter school, and later the Ohio Warhawks travel team. He hit his stride late in the spring and appealed to the Mets in the second round, both for his upside and asking price. He signed for $910,000, and the Mets planned to channel the $710,000 in bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, the Vanderbilt righthander who ultimately did not sign.

Scouting Report: The top Canadian pitcher drafted in 2021, Ziegler delivers quality stuff from a powerful, athletic delivery. In his best outings before the draft, he pitched at 93-95 mph and topped out at 97 with a fastball featuring armside run. His curveball has plus potential at 78-84 mph with tight break and top-to-bottom shape. He threw more strikes with his curve as the spring unfolded. Ziegler will need to develop his firm mid-80s changeup that shows tail and sink when executed. Improved control, location and mound presence helped Ziegler put everything together in 2021.

The Future: Ziegler did not pitch for a Mets affiliate after signing because he had to clear up visa issues, but he threw a few bullpen sessions when he got to the complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Mets will have a better idea of what they have in Ziegler in 2022 when he gains his first pro experience.

Draft Prospects

The 18-year-old hard-throwing righthander is likely to be the first Canadian high schooler off the draft board this year, though he spent his entire spring playing south of the border to get in some time on the mound while his home province remained under strict pandemic protocols. Ziegler has consistently added velocity to his fastball, getting it up to 97 mph this spring, sitting in the low-to-mid 90s. His curveball is solid-average, and he’s flashed a consistent top-to-bottom breaker with the potential to be a plus pitch. His mid-80s changeup has been good, though Ziegler hasn’t always had a chance to get to it because of his inconsistency with his strike throwing. His stuff has always been there, and he took a step forward with his control earlier this year but recent looks indicate that there might have been some regression. He’s shown an ability to make significant progress in a short timeframe, and has had an improved presence on the mound this year. There’s not a lot of projection left in his 6-foot, 205-pound frame. Ziegler is committed to Auburn, but the interest he’s drawn could easily see him head to pro ball.
A 6-foot, 195-pound righthander who was trending in the right direction this spring, Ziegler improved his body and cleaned up his delivery over the offseason, which allowed him to improve his control. He throws a fastball that gets up to 93 mph, but sits in the 88-91 range now, with a slider that scouts have also seen improvement from. He has thrown a changeup here and there but largely is a fastball/slider pitcher at the moment. Ziegler is young for the class and will still be 17 on draft day, but some scouts think he is more likely to be a reliever in the future than a starter. Ziegler is committed to Connecticut.

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Ziegler knows all about the pandemic making it difficult for Canadian high school prospects to be scouted. He went undrafted in 2020 and had to play tournaments for a Florida charter school and pitch for an Ohio travel team in 2021 to be seen for the draft. The Mets liked Ziegler's power arsenal and signed him for $910,000 as a second-round pick, expecting to apply the bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, who did not sign. Because of Ziegler's long layoff, the Mets deployed him cautiously at Low-A St. Lucie in 2022, keeping him on tight pitch counts and having him sit out roughly six weeks at midseason with general soreness.

Scouting Report: Ziegler missed bats at a rate few teenage pitchers could match in 2022. The issue for him will be not missing the strike zone as much after he walked 35 in 46.2 innings. Ziegler's 35.2% strikeout rate ranked sixth among teens with more than 12 starts. His fastball averages 94 mph touches 96 with plus ride up in the zone. Ziegler's curveball has top-to-bottom shape at 78-84 mph and can be a plus pitch for him if he learns to command it for strikes. Ziegler didn't throw a changeup as an amateur, so he added a splitter in 2022 to give him a usable third pitch. His north-south attack is highly effective on young, inexperienced hitters. Improving his overall command will help the strategy play as he advances. Ziegler has a long arm stroke and tends to catapult toward the hitter. Adding strength to help him repeat his mechanics will help him throw more strikes and stay in the rotation. Ziegler has a fiery, competitive demeanor and always seems to be in motion.

The Future: Ziegler has velocity and feel to spin, if not much physical projection. A mid-rotation outcome is possible in three or four years, but first he moves to High-A Brooklyn in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 60. Splitter: 40. Control: 45.
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Ziegler knows all about the pandemic making it difficult for Canadian high school prospects to be scouted. He went undrafted in 2020 and had to play tournaments for a Florida charter school and pitch for an Ohio travel team in 2021 to be seen for the draft. The Mets liked Ziegler's power arsenal and signed him for $910,000 as a second-round pick, expecting to apply the bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, who did not sign. Because of Ziegler's long layoff, the Mets deployed him cautiously at Low-A St. Lucie in 2022, keeping him on tight pitch counts and having him sit out roughly six weeks at midseason with general soreness.

Scouting Report: Ziegler missed bats at a rate few teenage pitchers could match in 2022. The issue for him will be not missing the strike zone as much after he walked 35 in 46.2 innings. Ziegler's 35.2% strikeout rate ranked sixth among teens with more than 12 starts. His fastball averages 94 mph touches 96 with plus ride up in the zone. Ziegler's curveball has top-to-bottom shape at 78-84 mph and can be a plus pitch for him if he learns to command it for strikes. Ziegler didn't throw a changeup as an amateur, so he added a splitter in 2022 to give him a usable third pitch. His north-south attack is highly effective on young, inexperienced hitters. Improving his overall command will help the strategy play as he advances. Ziegler has a long arm stroke and tends to catapult toward the hitter. Adding strength to help him repeat his mechanics will help him throw more strikes and stay in the rotation. Ziegler has a fiery, competitive demeanor and always seems to be in motion.

The Future: Ziegler has velocity and feel to spin, if not much physical projection. A mid-rotation outcome is possible in three or four years, but first he moves to High-A Brooklyn in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 60. Splitter: 40. Control: 45.
BA Grade: 50/High

Track Record: Ziegler is an Ontario prep who took unusual measures to be seen by scouts after not being drafted in 2020. With Canada on tighter Covid restrictions in 2021, Ziegler traveled south to pitch in tournaments for TNXL Academy, a Florida charter school, and later the Ohio Warhawks travel team. He hit his stride late in the spring and appealed to the Mets in the second round, both for his upside and asking price. He signed for $910,000, and the Mets planned to channel the $710,000 in bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, who ultimately did not sign.

Scouting Report: The top Canadian pitcher drafted in 2021, Ziegler delivers quality stuff from a powerful, athletic delivery. In his best outings before the draft, he pitched at 93-95 mph and topped out at 97 with a fastball featuring armside run. His curveball has plus potential at 78-84 mph with tight break and top-to-bottom shape. He threw more strikes with his curve as the spring unfolded. Ziegler will need to develop his firm mid-80s changeup that shows tail and sink when executed. Improved control, location and mound presence helped Ziegler put everything together in 2021. Other clubs indicated that Ziegler would not have gotten to the Mets with their pick in the third round.

The Future: Ziegler did not pitch for a Mets affiliate after signing because he had to clear up visa issues, but he threw a few bullpen sessions when he got to the complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Mets will have a better idea of what they have in Ziegler in 2022 when he gains his first pro experience.

Scouting Grades:
Fastball: 60. Curveball: 55. Changeup: 45. Control: 45.
Track Record: Ziegler is an Ontario prep who took unusual measures to be seen by scouts after not being drafted in 2020. With Canada on tighter Covid restrictions in 2021, Ziegler traveled south to pitch in tournaments for TNXL Academy, a Florida charter school, and later the Ohio Warhawks travel team. He hit his stride late in the spring and appealed to the Mets in the second round, both for his upside and asking price. He signed for $910,000, and the Mets planned to channel the $710,000 in bonus pool savings to first-rounder Kumar Rocker, the Vanderbilt righthander who ultimately did not sign.

Scouting Report: The top Canadian pitcher drafted in 2021, Ziegler delivers quality stuff from a powerful, athletic delivery. In his best outings before the draft, he pitched at 93-95 mph and topped out at 97 with a fastball featuring armside run. His curveball has plus potential at 78-84 mph with tight break and top-to-bottom shape. He threw more strikes with his curve as the spring unfolded. Ziegler will need to develop his firm mid-80s changeup that shows tail and sink when executed. Improved control, location and mound presence helped Ziegler put everything together in 2021.

The Future: Ziegler did not pitch for a Mets affiliate after signing because he had to clear up visa issues, but he threw a few bullpen sessions when he got to the complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Mets will have a better idea of what they have in Ziegler in 2022 when he gains his first pro experience.
The 18-year-old hard-throwing righthander is likely to be the first Canadian high schooler off the draft board this year, though he spent his entire spring playing south of the border to get in some time on the mound while his home province remained under strict pandemic protocols. Ziegler has consistently added velocity to his fastball, getting it up to 97 mph this spring, sitting in the low-to-mid 90s. His curveball is solid-average, and he's flashed a consistent top-to-bottom breaker with the potential to be a plus pitch. His mid-80s changeup has been good, though Ziegler hasn't always had a chance to get to it because of his inconsistency with his strike throwing. His stuff has always been there, and he took a step forward with his control earlier this year but recent looks indicate that there might have been some regression. He's shown an ability to make significant progress in a short timeframe, and has had an improved presence on the mound this year. There's not a lot of projection left in his 6-foot, 205-pound frame.