A conversation with Houston Astros’ draft pick Jase Mitchell

It didn’t take long for Jase Mitchell’s dream to become his life after he was selected in the seventh round of the MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. Mitchell signed his pro contract July 23, 10 days after he was selected, marking the start of his MiLB career, which will begin with the Florida Complex League Astros in Palm Beach, Fla.

Mitchell now embarks on a journey with a goal of reaching the MLB after years of work, beginning at the Milton Little League and continuing through his high school career at Cape Henlopen. Another former Viking who reached the bigs, Zack Gelof, congratulated Mitchell after he was selected.

Mitchell took some time to discuss what it was like being drafted this year and what the plan is for playing at the next level,

What was it like during the college recruiting process and the pro scouting? 

Throughout this process, I just kept the mindset that I had everything to gain and nothing to lose. Of course it was stressful, but I knew that God would put me in the right places to put myself out there and provide me with opportunities. All I would have to do is take advantage of them. 

Kentucky is in the SEC, probably the best conference in baseball, but the Astros invested a high pick on you out of high school. Did you have a certain number in the draft where you said, 'If I go lower than this, I will go to college,' or was it certain organizations you liked; when did you know you were going pro?

I built a really good relationship with Dan Hennigan, which was to my advantage when the draft came around. That relationship and confidence in his developmental abilities played a big part in my decision. 

It's the end of all-star season and fall ball hasn't quite started yet, kind of a down period for young baseball and softball players; what can they do during these down months to constantly improve?

Be a student of the game and be productive with your time. Develop in any way you can.

How has the transition been going so far? I know you are under some supervision but maybe not as much as in college. I am sure your parents are thrilled, but are they worried at all?

It’s been great. The lifestyle is a dream, and I am enjoying every minute of it. My mom definitely carries some worry. 

Have you gotten any advice since being drafted that you think will help you in your career?

I’ve been advised to build relationships with coaches and ask as many questions as possible.

You faced a few hurlers with good velocity in Delaware, but I imagine that will be more consistent in the minors; how do you plan on handling that?

I plan on trusting my coaches and sticking to their plans for me.

Are you comfortable calling games as a catcher? If so, are you excited to test that part of your game against advanced hitters with advanced pitchers?

Yeah, I’m very confident in my ability to call games and excited to display that at the next level.

Have you signed any autographs yet, what was that like?

Yeah, the Milton Little League team asked me to sign some balls for them, which was really cool, as I was once in their shoes.