Yankees pick Hurricanes ace Gage Ziehl in MLB draft; two more UM pitchers taken

The Hurricanes are in need of a new Friday-night starter.

The New York Yankees picked Miami ace Gage Ziehl in the fourth round with the 119th pick in the 4th round of the MLB draft on Monday.

The 119th overall pick has a slot value of $606,700, making it unlikely the right-handed pitcher returns to Coral Gables.

“Gage is more suited to being a starter with a good three-pitch mix, and (he is) ultra-competitive,” Miami coach J.D. Arteaga said.

Ziehl came to Miami from Macedon, New York, after being picked by the Cubs in the 11th round of the 2021 draft. He pitched out of the bullpen as a freshman. Although he had success as a setup man, he moved into the weekend rotation in 2022.

In his first year in the Hurricanes’ rotation, Ziehl went 8-4 with a 4.30 ERA, leading UM starters in wins, ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts. His 2024 campaign was even better. He went 5-3 but posted a team-best 3.87 ERA, striking out 89 batters in 100 innings.

Ziehl was a first-team All-ACC selection this year.

“He has a big-league mindset,” Miami pitching coach Laz Guttierez said before the season. He’s always out here, wanting to grow, get better. He focuses on the right things. He concerns himself with the right things. He’s been very impressive. He reminds me a lot of the guys that play at the highest level, and there’s a reason why he’s been successful here at the University of Miami, and it’s very evident to me with his mindset and his attitude.”

Schlesinger goes to Cleveland

Rafe Schlesinger struggled in his junior year at Miami, but he will have the chance to fulfill his potential in the pro ranks.

The Cleveland Guardians picked the Hurricanes’ left-handed pitcher with the 113th pick in the fourth round of the MLB draft on Monday. He was the first UM player to get picked in the draft.

The 113th pick’s slot value is $643,500.

Schlesinger, a Holbrook, New York, native, was a reliever in his first two years at UM. He proved effective out of the bullpen, posting a 3.38 ERA in 40 innings across 2022 and 2023.

Schlesinger moved into the Hurricanes’ rotation this year with mixed results. He had several games where he was sharp, but he finished the season with a 5.83 ERA.

“I could see Rafe as a very strong left-handed reliever with an uncomfortable release angle that is very tough on left-handed hitters,” Miami coach J.D. Arteaga said.

Atlanta selects Hernandez

The fourth round belonged to Miami pitchers, as Atlanta selected Hurricanes right-hander Herick Hernandez in the fourth round with the 129th pick.

The No. 129 pick has a bonus slot value of $551,100.

Hernandez spent just one season with Miami after transferring from Miami-Dade College. However, the southpaw struggled with the Hurricanes, posting a 3-7 record with a 6.14 ERA in 15 games (14 starts).

Despite the high ERA, Hernandez showed potential, striking out 95 batters in 70 1/3 innings.