Frank Mozzicato was the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft. The 6’3 lefty signed with the Royals out of East Catholic High School in Manchester, Connecticut. A University of Connecticut commit, the senior in high school drew national attention after throwing four consecutive no-hitters on the way to a 9-0 record, with a 0.16 ERA and 135 Ks in 55.2 innings of work. In the State Championship game, Mozzicato would allow one hit and strike out 17 in route to winning the Connecticut Class M State Championship.

Hot start to 2023

Mozzicato made his pro debut in Low-A Columbia in late 2022, amassing a 2-6 record in 19 starts. In 69 innings he had a 4.30 ERA with 89 strikeouts. In his first nine starts of 2023, three of which were quality, he complied a 2.14 ERA and a 40% K rate. Mozzicato had a setback in June of 2023 when he collided with a teammate shagging fly balls during batting practice. Upon coming back from the injured list, Mozzicato struggled to find the form he had prior to the injury, but still earned a promotion to the Quad Cities River Bandits. Mozzicato would depart Columbia as the franchise’s all-time leader in strikeouts after posting a 2-5 record, 3.04 ERA and 85 Ks in 56.1 innings of work. The second half of the season was rough for Mozzicato in High-A as he complied a 0-4 record over 9 starts with a 7.12 ERA in 36.2 innings with 33 BBs and 45 Ks.

How has he fared in 2024? What can we expect in 2025?

This year Mozzicato has posted a 5-10 record with 3 quality starts, something he hasn’t done since his time in Columbia. His 3.75 ERA is the best of his career and is his first season with a sub-4.00 ERA. In 20 games, Mozzicato has pitched 93.2 innings, amassed 79 Ks and allowed 39 ER. Mozzicato dropped out of the Royals’ top 10 prospects after the addition of the 2024 draft class, but I expect that will be short-lived. With the continued development of his changeup sure to be a focus going forward, the Royals will likely continue to take his development slowly. I would look for Mozzicato to return to High-A next year for at least half of the season, where he can continue to work on the command of his fastball and sharp curve, in addition to the aforementioned changeup. If he can return to his early 2023 form, the young lefty should continue his ascension through the farm system and remain a top prospect.

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