Nicholas Judice became the first 2023 Yarmouth-Dennis player to be selected in the MLB Draft, with the New York Yankees taking him 252nd overall.
“Everything he does is pretty effortless,” pitching coach John Raiola said. “He’s never an easy at-bat. He’s just starting to become the pitcher he’ll be.”
Judice, the 6’8 right-hander, made three appearances for the Red Sox before recently departing.
On the Cape, Judice struck out 16 batters in 12.1 innings pitched. He mostly threw fastballs, sliders, and changeups in his short time in Yarmouth.
“He didn’t throw his change as much at school because he didn’t need it,” Raiola said. “He actually showed he had a really good feel for it here.
His final start came against Chatham, which saw him surrender three first-inning runs before settling in for an impressive start. The Red Sox bats picked Judice up, scoring 11 runs in the win over the Anglers.
Raiola said Judice has impressive mechanics and will only improve them in Minor League Baseball.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native pitched collegiately at Louisiana Monroe, where he accumulated a 4.20 ERA in 50 appearances.
“He works extremely hard and has the talent; he just needs to keep on pitching,” Raiola said.
As day two concludes of the draft, some Red Sox hope to hear their names called tomorrow in rounds 11-20.
“I’m excited for these guys and we’ll move on from there,” field manager Scott Pickler said.
I got to spend a few minutes with Nick that last night at Chatham and wished him good luck as he was
going home the next day to prepare for the draft. He will improve and rise up the ranks of the minors.
Gary