Within the sport of baseball, switch-hitters are a common sight at almost every level of the game. Switch-pitchers, on the other hand, do not come along as often, with almost all receiving national attention, similar to that of Jurrangelo Cijntje this past week.
Participating in the MLB Draft Combine, a showcase for top draft-eligible players, Cijntje took the field in San Diego last week looking to make an impression in front of pro scouts. Well, not only did Cijntje impress due to his performance, striking out five of the six batters that he faced, but he also caught the eyes of the baseball world by doing it as both a right- and left-handed pitcher.
One of the more intriguing prospects in the 2022 MLB Draft, Cijntje’s emergence onto the national stage did not happen due to his performance at the draft combine. In fact, the switch-pitcher has been considered one of the top draft prospects in Florida for years.
A two-way standout at Champagnat Catholic High School, Cijntje enjoyed a strong sophomore season in 2021, posting a 0.47 ERA with an 84:15 K:BB across 44.1 IP. Batting for a .299 AVG offensively as well, the switch-pitcher entered the 2022 season as one of the state’s top projected draft prospects.
Cijntje enjoyed success once again this past season as a senior, batting for a .354 AVG at the plate with a 4.75 ERA and 62:9 K:BB on the mound.
Not only does Cijntje have the ability to pitch both right- and left-handed, but the Champagnat Catholic standout has exciting pure stuff both ways, led by his fastball and breaking ball.
Looking toward the next level, that pure stuff will translate to the professional game, as well as collegiately should he choose to go that route, as he is committed to Mississippi State.
Regardless of where he ends up, Cijntje is likely set to hear his name called in the 2022 MLB Draft. With his pure level of talent and potential, the Champagnat Catholic star is bound to have success at the next level.
