Jake McCutcheon selected the easiest way to work off his nervous energy Monday.
The former Francis Howell baseball standout and current Missouri State University infielder and outfielder walked around in circles inside his St. Charles County residence.
"Just had to get rid of the stress," McCutcheon said.
That stress came to an end early in the afternoon when McCutcheon was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 10th round of the major league baseball free agent draft.
The 21-year-old left-handed hitter still has a year of eligibility left at Missouri State, but he indicated it is highly likely he will sign with the Marlins.
McCutcheon saw his lifelong dream come to fruition when he was the 228th overall selection in the two-day draft.
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"This is everything you could wantÌý— and more," McCutcheon said.
Francis Howell's Jake McCutcheon (10) throws to first during a Class 6 state quarterfinal game against Francis Howell Central, Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Francis Howell High School near Weldon Spring, Mo. Michael Gulledge, Special to
McCutcheon, upon receiving the call from the Marlins, immediately informed his parents Monty and Christy as well as a host of other relatives and friends. The anxious group was sweating all the previous selections along with McCutcheon.
"It was definitely frustrating especially as you see the picks go by and by and you start doubting if it's going to happen," McCutcheon said. "I was starting to worry."
McCutcheon was somewhat surprised to be selected by the Marlins, who were not among the teams that showed the most interest in him leading up to the draft.
"In the end, it couldn't have worked out any better way," McCutcheon said.
McCutcheon helped Howell to a third-place finish his senior season by hitting .482 with a team-best six home runs in 2022. He batted .407 as a junior and those two strong campaigns earned him a scholarship to Missouri State of the Missouri Valley Conference.
In Springfield, McCutcheon capped a strong three-year career by hitting .358 with 15 homers and 54 RBI this past spring. He was a first-team all-MVC selection and started all 55 games.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder has been known for his versatility throughout his career. He started at third base, shortstop and second base in addition to all three outfield positions for the Bears.
Missouri State's Jake McCutcheon during an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 in Springfield, Mo.
McCutcheon possesses better than average bat speed and uses that quickness to square up balls on a regular basis. His baseball knowledge and gritty style of play helped attract major league scouts.
"He's always been a real good hitter," Francis Howell coach Tony Perkins said. "And he can play so many positions, which is why he's been so valuable at every level."
McCutcheon said his favorite moment at Howell came when he drilled a home run in a Class 6 state semifinal against Liberty North. He believes his college career highlight came in mid-March when he had four hits including two home runs on the way to 11 total bases in a 16-8 win over league rival Bradley.
But for now, he is anxious to begin his professional career.
"I'm ready to get going as soon as they tell me where I'm going," McCutcheon said. "I can't wait."Ìý
