Twins Select Mainland’s Chase Petty in First-Round of MLB Draft

Mainland Regional senior pitcher was expecting to hear his named called in Sunday Major League Baseball draft.

With the No. 26 pick in the 2021 draft the Minnesota Twins select Chase Petty.

"It's so surreal," Petty told MLB Network in an interview earlier in the week. "I've been dreaming about hearing my name called since I was a kid."

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Petty, a right-handed pitcher from Somers Point, had a terrific senior season, throwing 48.2 innings, giving up just eight earned runs all season.  He struck out 99 hitters and walked just 17, finishing with a 6-1 record, posting a 1.00 ERA.

He is believed to be the hardest throwing right handed pitcher in the draft, topping out over 100 MPH last summer at the Area Code games. Petty said during a recent interview that while he always threw hard for his age group, his velocity really began to take off when he started working out at the Baseball Performance Center in Pleasantville.

"I'm in a good spot, but there is definitely more room to grow," Petty said. "I feel very comfortable with my performances and my arsenal."

Petty says his favorite part of this process has been all the kids that have come up to him, asking for his autograph, looking up to him at a Mainland game like he is already a big leaguer.

The University of Florida commit says he knew that was the place for him as soon as he stepped foot on the campus, making great connections with the players, the campus and the new baseball stadium the Gators will play in.

During the MLB Network Broadcast, Petty revealed that he will be having dinner with San Diego Padres stars Manny Machado and Fernado Tatis Jr.  who are represented by the same agent as Petty.

Fellow Cape-Atlantic League pitcher Cody Stashak, an Oakcrest alum, also pitches for the Twins.