Portsmouth grad Ryan Minckler picked by Washington Nationals in MLB draft, plans to sign

PORTSMOUTH — Right-handed pitcher Ryan Minckler had recently confirmed his plan was to transfer and enroll at Arizona State University this fall to continue his college baseball career.

That changed when his name was called by the Washington Nationals, who selected the 2021 Portsmouth High School graduate in the 19th round (560th overall) of the Major League Baseball draft this week.

Minckler's response was firm Wednesday when asked if he was still going to ASU or if he would consider signing a contract with the Washington organization and begin a professional career.

"Yeah, I'm going to sign, 100 percent," Minckler said. "1,000 percent, definitely."

Minckler, who moved with his family to New Hampshire from Thailand as a teenager, was at home with his parents and younger brother, Matthew, when he heard the news about his selection.

"It was just kind of one of those moments where it hasn't fully set in just yet, but it's like, 'Wow, this is it'," Minckler said. "This is crazy. The only thing I could really think about was how far me and my family have come especially. Through all the ups and downs within the last five or six years, just a huge sigh of relief to get to this moment."

Listed as 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Minckler spent the last two seasons with Niagara University. He had a 4.21 ERA in the 2024 season with a 5-2 record, striking out 53 batters in 51-1/3 innings. Over the summer, he tossed 14 innings for the Sanford Mainers in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and striking out 18.

What's next for Minckler

Minckler turns 22 later this year and is thrilled about the opportunities ahead of him.

After the draft, a Nationals team representative reached out to Minckler, congratulating him and talking to him about the next steps. Minckler expects to be placed in Washington's minor league system.

"Just kind of figuring out where I'm going to be honestly," he said, about his goals. "And developing and getting to work is my biggest priority. So trying to get somewhere and get to work immediately is what I'm most excited about."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth grad Ryan Minckler picked by Washington Nationals in MLB draft, plans to sign