Twins select RHP Chase Petty with pick #26

In a very uncharacteristic move, the Twins have selected a high school pitcher as their first round pick. Chase Petty, a big-armed righty from New Jersey, was selected as the 26th pick of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Petty has a fastball that can already touch triple-digits, which is a velocity level nearly unknown in the Twins’ organization, and at only 18, he could potentially add a tick or two still.

According to Perfect Game:

Chase Petty is a 2021 RHP/SS with a 6-1 185 lb. frame from Somers Point, NJ who attends Mainland Reg. Lean athletic build, looks like a middle infielder. Outstanding arm speed, long arm action in back, really accelerates it through to a 3/4’s arm slot at release, extends well downhill, has some energy at release and still learning to repeat his slot but throws strikes and generally tunnels his pitches. Mid-90’s fastball, topped out at 97 mph, explodes on hitters especially out of the windup. Change is his best secondary pitch at present, good arm speed and tunnel on the pitch. Creates good spin on his slider but tends to get under it at times. High ceiling arm who keeps getting better every time we see him. Good student, verbal commitment to Florida. Named to play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic.

Here is a few minutes of Petty striking dudes out, from an 18K no-hitter he threw just over a month ago.

Petty is the first arm taken in the first round by the Twins since Tyler Jay was drafted 6th in 2015. Petty is a Florida commit, but the Twins once drafted a guy committed to a school in Florida in the first round, and I think that worked out okay.