With the 53rd pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, the Mets took right-handed pitcher Josh Wolf out of St. Thomas High School in Houston, Texas. Wolf is a Texas A&M commit who was ranked 36th on MLB.com and 54th on Baseball America’s top 500 picks prior to the draft.

The 6’2”, 165-pound hurler has shown impressive consistency and growth throughout the regular season. In his junior year, he owned a 1.06 ERA in 39 innings, striking out 53 batters. As a senior, he posted a 1.52 ERA in 69 innings, striking out 126.

Wolf exceeded expectations when he dominated through St. Thomas’ playoff run and helped send the team to the state title game. The righty threw a no-hitter in the TAPPS Division-I state playoff opener against Austin St. Dominic Savio, striking out 11. He then threw a two-hit shutout against Concordia Lutheran in the semifinals.

Wolf’s pitching repertoire features a fastball in the mid-90s that tops out as high as 97 MPH, along with a slider, and a curve to compliment his heater. His curveball sits in the high-70s-to-low-80s with a deep 12-6 break and flashes plus. His changeup sits in the low-80s.

I had the privilege of speaking with the 18-year-old this past weekend, where we discussed the Mets drafting him, his pitching style, some background information, and what the future will hold for the young righty.

MMO: Every young baseball player dreams of making it to the big leagues. When did you come to the realization that your MLB aspirations were within reach?

Josh: After my junior season for my high school I felt like I was on the right path, but it wasn’t until the first few starts of my senior year that I knew my MLB aspirations were within reach.

MMO: What was your reaction to receiving the call from the Mets about being taken 53rd overall?

Josh: I was with my family when my advisor called to tell me that the Mets were about to select me. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t have been happier! Before the draft I had made a list of teams I would like to play for and the Mets were at the top of that list. They are such a great organization. All the hard work and sacrifices had paid off.

MMO: Before you were picked, did the Mets contact you with their interest? Have any players in the Mets organization reached out to you yet?

Josh: They did. Different scouts from their organization attended my starts throughout the season and the area scout, Harry Shelton, was very active staying in touch with me. They also contacted my advisor several times before draft day. I haven’t heard from any players yet but I look forward to meeting as many as I can.

MMO: The Mets took fellow Texan Brett Baty out of Lake Travis High School twelfth overall. With your high school only being a few hours away, had you ever heard of Baty before the draft, or faced off against him?

Josh: I’ve known about Brett for several years. He and I have had several opportunities to play together in summer showcase events. He is an amazing player and I am so excited to begin my career with him.

MMO: You’re committed to play D1 baseball at Texas A&M next year. What can you say about the decision you’ll soon have to make now that you’ve been drafted?

Josh: Texas A&M is an amazing school and has a great baseball program with the best fans. It will be a very difficult decision.

MMO: You had a solid season in 2019, posting a 1.52 ERA and striking out 126 batters in 69.0 innings. But you really turned it on in the playoffs tossing a no-hitter in the first round, and then a two-hit shutout in the semi-final. Tell me about the adrenaline rush of pitching in high leverage situations. Is there something about added pressure that brings out the best in you?

Josh: I have always loved pitching in big pressure games. I remember even when I was in little league I wanted the ball in games that meant something. I love to compete and important games definitely bring out the best in me.

MMO: Baseball America wrote that you had a nice spike in your fastball velocity this season. They had you at 90-92 mph in 2018 and 92-94 mph this season and touching 97. What do you attribute that spike to?

Josh: There are a few things that contributed to that spike. First I would say that my nutrition and workout program improved this past fall. My trainer, Garrett Kelly, created a program that really worked for me. I was able to gain roughly 15 pounds from August to February. The strength and weight helped my velocity. The other factor was that my mechanics improved quite a bit. My pitching coach, Dave Evans, has played a huge part in the velocity bump. He has helped me smooth out my mechanics and get my lower half more engaged.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4YnWAU-Q40

MMO: Can you speak to your mental approach on the rubber and any mid-game adjustments that you make? Do you consider what pitches worked on batters the first time through the order or what kind of contact was made on certain pitches?

Josh: I’m a very confident pitcher when I’m on the mound. I work hard at it and spend a lot of time watching pitching videos when I am at home. I always try to pay attention to an opponent’s swing so I can use that to my advantage. I think that is one of the reasons I have been successful, even before the current velocity bump.

MMO: Most baseball players -pitchers specifically- have very regimented practices. What do you do during the offseason, on off days, and on game days to prepare? Do you have any quirky superstitions or particular rituals that you routinely follow?

Josh: I have always been pretty consistent with my off-season and in-season programs. Both involve working out in the mornings, a weighted ball program, arm care work, stretching, long toss, short toss, flat ground work, and bull pen work. A ritual that I do every game is I run out to the center field fence and crouch. I take about 5-10 deep breaths and this helps me stay relaxed.

MMO: What do you need to work on in order to elevate your game to the next level?

Josh: I think commanding my pitches is the most important thing. There are many pitchers at the next level who have great stuff but I think command is was separates the better ones.

MMO: Do you have any family members who played baseball, at an elementary or professional level who influenced your love of the game?

Josh: My dad was a pitcher and played until college. He has been a big part of influencing my love for the game.

MMO: What team did you grow up rooting for and who were some players you idolized?

Josh: Growing up I rooted for my home team the Houston Astros. I have always been a big fan of Justin Verlander and Walker Buehler.

MMO: What is your favorite personal baseball memory?

Josh: My favorite baseball memory would be winning the State Championship in 2017 with my high school team.

MMO: What are you most excited about when looking forward to this next chapter in your life?

Josh: I am most excited about the opportunity I have with such a great organization to continue my dream to pitch in the major leagues one day.

MMO: Thanks for your time, Josh. Congratulations, and good luck!

Josh: Thanks for reaching out!

Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram, @josh_wolf30