The 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game will showcase a unicorn pitcher in the Seattle Mariners’ minor leagues.
This week, the league announced the various players that have been invited to take part in this year’s Future Game during All-Star weekend. Many elite prospects expected to be stars in the big leagues will take part. Including Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers No. 1 prospects Andrew Painter and Kevin McGonigle.
However, one fascinating talent that will compete next Saturday is Mariners’ high Single-A prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje. The 15th overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft is ranked as the eighth-best in the Mariners system, via MLB.com. But the former Mississippi State standout is pitching to a 4.88 ERA in his first minor league season.
While he is expected to improve as time goes on, he has gotten an invite to this year’s showcase of the top prospects in MLB due to a unique ability no other player can match. And that is being able to throw from both sides of the mound. Fans are used to switch hitters, but the native of the Netherlands is a true baseball unicorn.
- Jurrangelo Cijntje stats (2025): 4-4 record, 4.88 ERA, 1.217 WHIP, 51.2 IP, 58 SO, 31 BB
At first glance, Cijntje’s ERA over 12 starts and three relief appearances this season isn’t impressive. However, when you dig deeper into his stats, you discover some impressive numbers. Over 51 2/3 innings, he has struck out 58 batters. While he has walked 31, that is to be expected of a young pitcher, but his strikeout numbers are phenomenal.
From the two sides of the mound, the 22-year-old has been far better as a righty. As a right-hander, he has held 180 batters to a .165 average (26 hits in 158 at-bats). However, as a lefty, opposing hitters are batting .360 with two home runs.
Even though he has not been great from the left side, the ability to switch is still a rare skill that could be deployed on the big league level when he gets his eventual call to the majors in the next few years.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game takes place on Saturday, July 12 at 4:00 PM ET.
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