Insider provides an assessment of Mississippi State star Loo Cijntje's "frame" ahead of the 2024 MLB draft
Doing any task ambidextrously requires a lot of time, skill, and technique. Now contemplate the path to becoming a top pitching prospect with both arms shooting rockets! That is Mississippi State's Loo Cijntje for you.
The pitcher is looking to make the cut at the next level, as he's currently eligible for the upcoming MLB Draft to be held between July 14-16. As right-handed pitchers are in greater supply than their left-handed counterparts, a pitcher who can throw effectively using both arms could be the ultimate weapon on a major league team.
Finishing second on the team with 90.2 innings pitched for the Bulldogs, Cijntje could potentially be snapped up in the first round of this year's draft. This year's crop features more hitters than pitchers among the top names. However, based on his performance this season, it isn't a longshot to say that the soon-to-be former Bulldogs standout could be in the majors sooner rather than later.
Multiple Teams Could Pursue Cijntje
It's an open secret that every major league team could use pitching options. Teams such as the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies are on the lookout to bolster their rosters this year.
Other teams that could target the young phenom in the first round include the Los Angeles Angels, and the Oakland Athletics, as well as teams towards the back end of the draft like the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. Cijntje could help all of these clubs, whether he's developed as a starter or reliever in the pros.
Asking him to use both his arms and not choose his strongest could play out better if he's being developed as a reliever, as he would just have to focus on two to three pitches per arm, versus a fuller repertoire of four to five pitches as a starter.
He tied teammate Khal Stephen for the team lead in wins (8) and starts with 16, while his 3.67 ERSA was third best in the program behind Stephen and swingman Brooks Auger. An opponent's batting average of just .211 does make one pay attention, as well as the 70 hits he allowed this season.
It appears as if the existing arsenal that Cijntje has might just do the trick at the Major League level. Will he still be the ambidextrous threat that he was for the Bulldogs? It depends a lot on how the team that drafts him nurtures his strengths.