- Full name Luke Thelen
- Born 09/18/2002 in
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
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Drafted in the 15th round (438th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2024 (signed for $150,000).
View Draft Report
School: Western Michigan
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age at Draft: 21.8
Thelen is a 6-foot-5, 210-pound righthander who struggled with control in his first two seasons on the mound for Western Michigan in 2022-2023, but took a huge step forward this spring. Pitching mostly as a reliever, Thelen posted a 3.53 ERA over 43.1 innings with an 11.9% walk rate that was a significant improvement from the 20%+ range he was in during the previous two seasons. He works from the stretch and throws from a low three-quarters slot while mostly pitching off a solid fastball/slider combination. The fastball averaged 93-94 mph this spring and has been up to 99 while the slider checks in around 80 mph with short three-quarter shape, though the pitch lacks consistency. Thelen does have a mid-80s changeup in his pocket but it’s rarely used and likely won’t be much of a factor out of the bullpen. His jump in command this spring gives some hope that he can find a role in a pro bullpen.
