Los Angeles Angels select Tennessee pitcher Ben Joyce in 2022 MLB Draft

Tennessee pitcher Ben Joyce made a name for himself during the 2022 season. He became known for consistently throwing a fastball that sits above 100 miles per hour, and that has hit up to 105 multiple times. Now, Joyce has heard his name called in the 2022 MLB Draft.

With one of the final picks in the third round of the draft, the Los Angeles Angels were on the clock. The Angels decided to bet on the upside Joyce carries, selecting him with the No. 89 overall pick.

Joyce tossed 32.1 innings last season at Tennessee, pitching to a 2-1 record. He had an ERA of 2.23 and a WHIP of 0.990, striking out 53 batters compared to 14 walks.

Joyce will be an interesting prospect to follow for the Angels, who are a team that is in need of rather immediate help on the mound in the majors and the upper levels of the minors. For now, Joyce will likely head pro and begin his journey towards the MLB.

Joyce’s calling is undoubtedly his power arm. His 105.5 mph fastball that was clocked in 2022 was the hardest pitch in the history of college baseball. Currently, that would be good for the second-fastest pitch in MLB history, too. That’s pretty impressive.

Joyce began his collegiate career at Walters State Community College in 2019. He transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2020 campaign, but before the regular season arrived, he suffered an arm injury and was forced to undergo Tommy John Surgery, resulting in him missing the entirety of the 2021 season and taking a redshirt year.

Clearly, his injury did not take any of the power out of Joyce’s arm. If he is able to stay healthy long-term, this pick could become a steal for the Angels. Joyce won’t be the last Tennessee player taken in the MLB Draft, as a number of Vols players are already off the board.