7/13/25 : 2025 MLB Draft - 2nd Round Pick

LHP  Cade Obermueller - 21 yrs old - University of Iowa

“Wes Obermueller pitched five seasons in the Majors after the Royals took him in the second round of the 1999 Draft out of Iowa, and his son could go in the same range after a strong season for the Hawkeyes. A Draft-eligible sophomore a year ago, Cade turned down the Rangers as a 19th-rounder. He has been a favorite of scouts dating back to his high school days and they're happy to see him increase his velocity and his strike-throwing as a junior. Obermueller works from a low arm slot that produces outstanding metrics on his fastball and slider. He sits at 91-94 mph and can reach 98 with his heater, showing the ability to create carry, run or sink from an unusually flat approach angle. He imparts huge horizontal break, as well as good depth, on a low-80s slider that eats up lefties and righties. Obermueller has yet to show much feel for a sinking mid-80s changeup that he barely uses, though he'll flash a solid one on occasion. The biggest question about his ability to remain a starter is his lack of physicality at 6 feet and 170 pounds, though he's helping his cause by cutting his walk rate nearly in half from his sophomore to junior year. He'll get a chance to prove himself in the rotation in pro ball, though if he immediately headed to the bullpen he could surface in the Majors by the end of 2026.” - MLB

“Obermueller ranked as a top-200 prospect in the 2024 class as a draft-eligible sophomore. He was selected in the 19th round by the Rangers, but opted to return to Iowa. That decision paid off with the best season of his career. The slight-framed 6-foot, 170-pound lefthander posted a 3.02 ERA with 117 strikeouts and 32 walks over 83.1 innings, showcasing improved stuff and sharper command. Working from a low slot, Obermueller throws a low-90s sinker that helped him generate a 52.1% career ground ball rate. A velocity bump this spring saw him touch 97 mph, leading to a career-best 32.9% strikeout rate and a career-low 9% walk rate. His primary secondary pitch is a sweeping low-80s slider that plays well with his arm angle, and he’ll rarely mix in a firm changeup in the mid-80s. While his pitch mix is limited and control can falter at times, Obermueller’s improved strike-throwing and ability to hold velocity deeper into outings have given evaluators reason to revisit his long-term role. He still carries reliever risk due to his size, delivery and pitch repertoire, but his 2025 performance could place him inside the first 10 rounds and give teams more confidence he is a starter in pro ball.” - Baseball America