The Tampa Bay Rays’ most recent draft pick had to make a decision that would change the course of his career. The 21-year-old was picked in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. He had to choose between being another Ohtani-like phenom or playing a specific position. And Aidan Cremarosa made his choice.

The Fresno State standout emerged as the Bulldogs’ primary Saturday starter during his junior season, dominating Mountain West competition with a team-best 4.34 ERA among starters. Right-hander Aidan Cremarosa compiled a 6-6 record across 17 appearances, striking out 112 batters while limiting opponents to a .243 batting average over 95.1 innings. His performance earned him Mountain West Pitcher of the Year honors, All-Mountain West First Team recognition, and a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Team. He delivered a complete-game shutout against San Jose State on May 10, blanking the Spartans through seven innings.

When EssentiallySports asked Cremarosa when he realized he wanted to be a pitcher, he revealed the pivotal moment behind his transition. “It’s always kind of been like a part of my game. I’d always go play shortstop or then go pitch and like travel ball,” Cremarosa explained.

“So, I think the big thing that made me shift to just pitching was really an ultimatum. It was my head coach, Fres at Fresno State Overland pretty much just said you could two-way and might play, or you could pitch, and then you could really get a chance at being on the field. So pretty easy decision for me. Uh, I’d much rather be on the field.” The choice between limited opportunities as a two-way player and full-time action on the mound made the decision straightforward for the young prospect.

Cremarosa’s baseball influences trace back to unique inspirations.

When asked about Jim Abbott being his favorite athlete growing up, he emphasized what drew him to the one-handed pitcher. “Dude, could pitch, had one hand, you know, was uh pretty pretty cool guy,” Cremarosa emphasized. “Um, I’d just say that his one, his ability to pitch, it was just kind of something that was different, and I’ve always been kind of drawn to the little different things in the game.” Abbott’s unusual path to Major League success clearly struck a chord with Cremarosa, who also likes players who go against the wave and make their own way in baseball.

He likes things that are different, and that goes beyond his heroes. And that’s why his unique pitching style caught the attention of scouts for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Aidan Cremarosa shares his earliest baseball memory with the Rays

Cremarosa’s path to professional baseball reflects the same unconventional approach that attracted him to Abbott’s story. Selected 237th overall in the 8th round, the right-handed pitcher brings a varied arsenal delivered through an unorthodox, short arm action that sets him apart from traditional pitching prospects.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound pitcher throws a fastball that goes 88 to 91 mph, and he has room to throw it faster, which could make him a much better professional player.

He has a high-spin, 12-to-6 curveball that drops into the upper 60s mph range. Cremarosa also has a developing changeup that goes well with it. The unusual mix of pitches and delivery mechanics is what Aidan has always liked to do in the game.

His baseball journey began with power at the plate rather than on the mound.

When EssentiallySports asked about his earliest baseball memory, Cremarosa recalled a remarkable Little League performance.

“Uh, probably I want to say when I was like six or seven, uh, I was in like a little league all-star game and there was actually two All-Star games that day and I hit two home runs in the first game and then they asked me to play the second and I did the same thing,” he explained.

Yet his early years as a great hitter eventually turned into a career as a pitcher. “So, that was like a pretty cool memory back when I could hit,” Aidan Cremarosa recalled.

Cremarosa is starting his professional career with the Rays organization. He is willing to give up versatility for opportunities, which will help him reach his full potential on the mound, just like he has done throughout his baseball career.