Brighton Secondary School student Mitch Evans signs with Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers

Standing at 1.9m with a 144km/h fastball, this South Australian teen is a towering presence on the mound and now he’s signed with an MLB powerhouse.

Mitch Evans and his proud parents Justin and Trish. South Australian baseballer and Brighton High School student Mitch Evans has signed a professional deal with Major League Baseball organisation the Detroit Tigers. Picture: Tim Joy

Few high school students can call themselves professional baseball players – but year 12 Brighton Secondary School student Mitch Evans can.

The left-handed pitcher officially signed a contract with Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers on Saturday.

Pitcher Mitch Evans (17) has signed a professional deal with Major League Baseball organisation the Detroit Tigers. Picture: Tim Joy

He becomes the third South Australian in the past 18 months to sign with the Tigers, joining Alistair Tanner and Jack Bushell.

After completing his studies, the 17-year-old will head to the US in January to begin his journey as a professional baseballer – starting with the grind up the minor league ranks.

Evans is a presence on the mound. At 1.9m, he possesses four different pitches and a “moving” fastball that clocks in at 144km/h.

A product of Southern Districts Baseball Club, Evans told the Sunday Mail he had talks with many colleges and MLB clubs before deciding to take the pro route.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play Major League Baseball. I felt that starting my professional journey earlier would help me reach that goal,” he said.

Mitch Evans and his proud parents Justin and Trish. Picture: Tim Joy

“I just knew the Tigers were the right team for me. Nobody seemed as invested as the Tigers, who are doing a great job with Ali and Jack, so I was really happy to go with them.”

Evans cites the Tigers’ commitment to cutting-edge technology, performance science and elite coaching as aspects that stood out.

Their success speaks for itself, with four World Series titles and, most recently, Tariq Skubal winning the Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the MLB’s American League.

“What really resonated was the level of integration between MiLB (minor league) and MLB operations,” said Evans’ dad, Justin.

Mitch Evans is Brighton High School student. Picture: Tim Joy

“The organisation works as one team, with coaching, science, mental skills and player development all operating in sync. The attention to detail was something to behold.”

Evans has lived a “hectic” last 12 months. He’s pitched for Southern Districts, Australia’s under-16s team, South Australia’s under-18s team, Australia’s under-18s team at the Baseball World Cup qualifiers, the Adelaide Giants as a development player, and the MLB World Select Team at a camp in Arizona, in the US.

“It’s really been the only sport I’ve truly loved,” he said.

“I dabbled in footy but there isn’t really a sport out there as challenging or enjoyable.”

“I dabbled in footy but there isn’t really a sport out there as challenging or enjoyable.” Picture: Tim Joy

SA continues to earn a reputation as an Australian baseball hotbed. Evans becomes the sixth Adelaide-born player to hold anactive MLB contract – nearly a quarter of Australia’s 25 total MiLB players.

Australia’s two most recent major leaguers – Jack O’Loughlin (Colorado Rockies) and Curtis Mead (Tampa Bay Rays) – are also from Adelaide.

Scouts from the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates are scheduled to be in Adelaide over the next fortnight to scout local talent.