Justice de Jong, RHP, Poly Prep (NY): Rising Star Impresses Scouts with 95 MPH Fastball
Justice de Jong is one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. The 6’3″, 210-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Poly Prep Country Day School in New York has established himself as an elite talent. He is currently ranked as the #1 prospect in New York and #17 overall in his class. Scouts from multiple organizations already eye him as a potential first-round selection next summer.
De Jong’s physical presence on the mound is immediately apparent, with a strong frame that suggests further development potential. He showcased his abilities at the Prep Baseball Report All-American game in Miami, where observers noted his impressive command and poise against top competition. Though just 17 years old, he already demonstrates the composure of a much more experienced player.
| Justice de Jong | Stats |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 210 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| Primary Positions | RHP, 3B, 1B |
| Class | 2025 |
| College Commitment | Undecided |
Contents
Justice De Jong: Early Life and Education
Justice de Jong’s path to becoming one of New York’s top baseball prospects began with strong developmental years and educational foundations that shaped his athletic trajectory. His imposing physical presence and technical skills have roots in his formative experiences.
Rise to Prominence at Poly Prep
Justice de Jong has established himself as an exceptional talent at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. Standing 6-3 with a solid 210-pound frame, de Jong has developed into a versatile player who excels primarily as a right-handed pitcher while also playing third base and first base.
His natural size and strength have made him the #1 ranked prospect in New York’s 2025 class. The physical tools were evident early, but it’s been his development at Poly Prep that has elevated his national profile.
De Jong’s technical fundamentals improved dramatically during his sophomore and junior years, catching the attention of college recruiters and professional scouts alike.
| Physical Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-3 |
| Weight | 210 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Primary Position | RHP |
| Secondary Position | 3B/1B |
Influence of High School Sports on Career
The structured baseball program at Poly Prep has been instrumental in de Jong’s development into an elite athlete. Beyond school competition, his participation with the WowFactor National summer team has provided valuable exposure against top competition.
His growing prominence led to selection for the Prep Baseball All-American game in Miami, where he impressed evaluators with his polished mechanics and physical tools. This appearance solidified his position as the #17 overall prospect nationally.
De Jong’s draft stock continues to rise, with MLB scouts projecting him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft. Though college commitment details remain private, his profile suggests he’ll have options at premier baseball programs nationwide.
Athletic Profile of Justice De Jong
Justice de Jong brings an imposing physical presence to the diamond, combining his 6-3, 210-pound frame with exceptional technical skills. His athleticism allows him to excel both as a right-handed pitcher and infielder with impressive versatility.
Pitching Technique and Style as RHP
De Jong’s pitching arsenal showcases advanced mechanics rarely seen in high school prospects. His delivery remains remarkably consistent, generating significant velocity without sacrificing command. What separates him from peers is his exceptional control – hitting corners with precision that makes batters uncomfortable.
His fastball typically sits in the low-90s with late movement, while his breaking ball displays tight spin and significant drop. The young hurler mixes pitches effectively, working both sides of the plate with confidence.
De Jong maintains composure under pressure, a trait that’s caught scouts’ attention. His ability to work out of jams demonstrates mental toughness beyond his years.
When analyzing his mechanics, you’ll notice minimal wasted motion – everything moves toward the plate with purpose.
Physical Conditioning and Training
At 6-3 and 210 pounds, de Jong possesses what scouts describe as a “big and strong young build.” His frame suggests continued physical development potential, already showing the broadness through the shoulders that projects well.
His conditioning program emphasizes core strength and flexibility, elements critical for maintaining his delivery mechanics deep into games. De Jong’s commitment to strength training has paid dividends in increased velocity and stamina.
Player Measurables:
| Height | Weight | Bats/Throws | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6’3″ | 210 lbs | R/R | 17 |
What’s particularly impressive is how de Jong has transformed his athleticism into functional baseball skills. His footwork around third base demonstrates the same dedication to training that’s evident in his pitching.
Record of Achievements
De Jong has distinguished himself as the #1 ranked 2025 prospect from New York and holds an impressive #17 overall national ranking. These accolades reflect his consistent performance against elite competition.
His selection to the Prep Baseball Report All-American game in Miami validated his status among the nation’s elite. During that showcase, he performed admirably against the country’s top talent.
De Jong’s draft stock continues to rise, with several MLB organizations showing significant interest. Most projections have him slotted as a potential day one selection in 2025 if his development trajectory continues.
His performance at Poly Prep Country Day has been stellar, dominating both on the mound and at the plate. While no college commitment has been officially announced, he’s receiving interest from numerous top-tier programs.
Contributing Factors to Player Development
The rise of Justice de Jong as an elite pitching prospect can be attributed to several key development factors. Modern technology and comprehensive health services have played pivotal roles in his rapid improvement and projection as a potential high MLB draft pick.
Role of Technology in Sports
Justice de Jong’s development has been significantly enhanced by cutting-edge technology. His coaches at Poly Prep utilize advanced pitch tracking systems to monitor his velocity and spin rates, which has helped refine his already impressive arsenal.
“The data doesn’t lie,” one scout told me recently. “When you see a high schooler generating those kinds of numbers, you take notice.”
De Jong’s bullpen sessions are regularly recorded with high-speed cameras that break down his mechanics frame by frame. This technological approach has helped him make subtle adjustments to his delivery, resulting in better command of his pitches.
The bullpen sessions captured on video demonstrate how technology has become integral to his development process. His pitch metrics, tracked meticulously, show consistent improvement across his repertoire.
Health Services and Athlete Care
The physical development of de Jong has been equally impressive, with the 6’3″, 210-pound frame that scouts covet. His health regimen includes personalized nutrition plans and strength training designed specifically for young pitchers.
De Jong works with sports medicine specialists who monitor his workload and recovery. This careful approach to athlete care has prevented injuries that often derail promising careers.
His Duke commitment speaks volumes about how well-rounded his development has been, both physically and academically. Health professionals have helped him manage the physical demands of being a two-way player (RHP/3B).
| Player Profile: Justice de Jong | |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 6’3″ / 210 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Primary Positions | RHP, 3B, 1B |
| College Commitment | Duke |
| Current Draft Ranking | #41 (Feb 2024) |
De Jong’s management team has wisely invested in preventative care rather than reactive treatment, keeping him healthy through the demanding showcase circuit.
The Role of Education in Nurturing Elite Athletes
Elite athletic development doesn’t happen in isolation. Academic institutions provide crucial frameworks that shape athletes like Justice de Jong, offering both structure and opportunity during formative years.
NCAA and NAIA Regulations
The NCAA and NAIA maintain strict eligibility requirements that significantly impact baseball prospects. Athletes must achieve minimum GPA standards (2.3 core GPA for NCAA Division I) and complete required core courses to remain eligible for competition.
For rising stars like de Jong, these academic benchmarks aren’t just hurdles to clear—they’re foundational elements of long-term success. Nearly 54% of MLB draftees come from college programs, highlighting how these educational pathways prepare players for professional careers.
MLB scouts increasingly value the mental discipline college athletes demonstrate. The structured environment helps players develop time management skills and resilience under pressure—traits that translate directly to professional performance.
For prospects like de Jong, understanding these requirements early allows for academic planning that preserves eligibility and future options.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
The typical Division I baseball player spends 32-40 hours weekly on sport-related activities while maintaining a full academic course load. This balancing act requires exceptional discipline and support systems.
Elite preparatory programs like Poly Prep differentiate themselves with academic resources tailored to student-athletes. Academic advisors, structured study halls, and travel accommodations become crucial components of athletic development.
De Jong’s experience exemplifies this balance. His reported 3.7 GPA while maintaining an intense training and competition schedule demonstrates the type of discipline MLB teams increasingly value in prospects.
| Academic-Athletic Balance | Typical Hours/Week |
|---|---|
| Sport-Related Activities | 32-40 |
| Academic Coursework | 15-18 |
| Academic Study Time | 12-15 |
This balance creates well-rounded athletes who understand performance pressure across multiple domains—a significant advantage during draft evaluations.
National and International Influence
Justice de Jong has rapidly expanded his baseball footprint beyond New York state lines, drawing attention from scouts and fans across America and internationally. His powerful right arm and impressive batting stats have positioned him as one of the most watched high school prospects heading into the 2025 MLB Draft.
Impact of MLB.com Promotion
MLB.com has significantly boosted de Jong’s visibility through feature videos and prospect rankings. The 6’2″, 210-pound right-hander from Poly Prep Country Day has benefited tremendously from this major platform exposure.
As the #1 ranked 2025 prospect from New York and #17 overall according to some scouting services, de Jong’s appearances on MLB digital properties have introduced him to baseball operations departments across all 30 franchises.
His Perfect Game showcases have been particularly highlighted, with video breakdowns of his mechanics drawing comparisons to established major league talent. The data tells the story:
| Attribute | Measurement | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Fastball velocity | 92-94 mph | Top 5% for 2025 class |
| Frame | 6’3″, 210 lbs | Ideal MLB projection |
| Bats/Throws | R/R | Versatile defender |
Justice De Jong’s Global Reach
The Poly Prep standout has developed a surprising international following, particularly in baseball-hungry countries like Japan where his power arm and bat have drawn comparisons to two-way stars. His Instagram presence has connected him with international fans and scouts alike.
French baseball programs have even taken notice of de Jong during international showcases, where his physical tools translate universally across baseball cultures. Though still committed to developing stateside, these international connections could prove valuable should he consider overseas opportunities.
The third baseman/right-handed pitcher has garnered attention through international tournaments where European and Asian scouts have filed encouraging reports. His WowFactor National travel team experience has exposed him to diverse playing styles.
Justice De Jong’s Career Prospects
Justice de Jong stands out as one of the most promising baseball prospects in the 2025 class. His combination of size, power, and versatility has positioned him as a potential early-round MLB draft selection.
Exploring Major League Baseball Aspirations
At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, de Jong possesses the physical tools MLB scouts covet. His frame suggests significant power potential at the plate, while his arm strength makes him a dual-threat player.
As the #1 ranked 2025 prospect in New York and #17 overall nationally, de Jong has already garnered attention from Major League Baseball organizations. His performance at the Prep Baseball All-American game in Miami demonstrated his ability to compete against elite talent.
Several MLB teams have shown interest in his development, particularly given his positional versatility. De Jong’s ability to play both corner infield positions while also showing promise on the mound creates multiple pathways to the pros.
| Player Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Justice de Jong |
| Class | 2025 |
| Height/Weight | 6’3″ / 210 lbs |
| Positions | 3B/RHP/1B |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| School | Poly Prep Country Day (NY) |
Potential Draft and Signing Scenarios
The 2025 MLB Draft could see de Jong selected in the early rounds given his current trajectory. His ranking as a top-20 national prospect suggests first-round potential if his development continues.
De Jong has not yet announced a college commitment, leaving his options open. This gives him flexibility to either sign with an MLB team directly after high school or pursue the college route to potentially increase his draft stock.
His decision will likely hinge on his draft position and corresponding bonus pool money. First-round selections typically receive seven-figure signing bonuses, which could influence de Jong to begin his professional career immediately.
If he chooses the college path, de Jong would be draft-eligible again in 2028, potentially entering the draft with more leverage and development. Power-hitting corner infielders with pitching ability typically command premium value in the MLB draft landscape.
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
Beyond his impressive abilities on the diamond, Justice de Jong has established himself as an active member of his community with diverse interests that showcase his character off the field.
Philanthropy and Support for Health Causes
De Jong has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to health-related charities, particularly those focused on atherosclerosis research and pancreatic cancer awareness. After his grandfather’s battle with pancreatic cancer in 2023, the Poly Prep standout organized a charity baseball tournament that raised over $7,000 for research initiatives at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
“The medical community needs our support,” de Jong told me during a recent interview. “My family’s experience opened my eyes to how these diseases affect so many people.”
His “Strikeouts Against Atherosclerosis” campaign has also gained traction, with the Duke commit pledging donations for each K he records during his senior season. The initiative has inspired several other high school programs across New York to join the cause.
Participation in Local Sporting Events
The 6’2″, 210-pound right-hander hasn’t limited his athletic pursuits to just baseball. De Jong regularly participates in local sporting events that benefit community organizations throughout Brooklyn.
Last winter, he helped organize a multi-school athletic challenge that brought together competitors from five area high schools. The event featured basketball, swimming, and track competitions.
De Jong has also become a fixture at youth baseball clinics throughout New York, working with players ages 8-14 on pitching fundamentals and infield play.
| Player Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 6’2″ / 210 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| College Commitment | Duke University |
| MLB Draft Projection | Top 3 rounds potential (2025) |
Justice De Jong in Popular Culture
Justice De Jong has begun to make a mark beyond the baseball diamond, extending his influence into media and inspiring comparisons to established athletes. His rising profile demonstrates the growing interest in high school baseball prospects.
Media Appearances and Endorsements
De Jong’s profile has been steadily growing since appearing on the 2023 Preseason Underclass All Americans Teams for the Northeast region. The Duke commit has been featured in several baseball podcasts discussing his development as a right-handed pitcher at Poly Prep Country Day in New York.
While not yet at the level of major endorsements, De Jong has partnered with local sporting goods stores in the New York area. His Instagram following has grown substantially as he shares his training regimen and bullpen sessions.
The young hurler made headlines when he was spotlighted by MLB Pipeline as one of the top talents on display at the National High School Invitational tournament.
Inspirations and Comparisons with Iconic Athletes
Scouts and analysts frequently compare De Jong’s mechanics to former Orioles ace Mike Mussina. They particularly note his similar command and breaking ball movement. His competitive mentality draws parallels to Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. They describe both as methodical and precise under pressure.
De Jong has cited New Orleans native and Yankees pitcher Ron Guidry as a historical influence on his approach to pitching. “Louisiana Lightning became dominant without overwhelming size,” De Jong told Baseball America last summer.
Player Profile:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | RHP |
| School | Poly Prep Country Day (NY) |
| College Commitment | Duke University |
| Draft Status | Ranked #100 in 2025 MLB Draft class |
| Throws/Bats | R/R |
His MLB draft stock continues to rise, with evaluators impressed by his performance against elite competition. Don’t be surprised if an organization like the Orioles, known for developing pitching talent, makes a play for him in the first three rounds next year.
