In the sun-soaked atmosphere of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, the buzz wasn't just from the crowd but from the electric arm of 18-year-old Miguel Sime Jr. Clocking in at a blistering 100.8 mph, Sime's fastball was the talk of the day, especially when it sent the helmet of No. 5 overall prospect JJ Wetherholt flying.
The Nationals' Spring Breakout game against the Cardinals ended in a tight 9-8 loss, but the real story unfolded in the second inning. Sime, Washington's No. 16 prospect, faced off against Wetherholt, St. Louis' top prospect, in a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats.
“I wanted to get a first-pitch strike, but the pitch-clock violation threw me off,” Sime explained. “I followed up with a gyro slider, got him to chase, and then went for the high heat.”
Despite falling behind 3-0 due to the violation and a couple of wild fastballs, Sime clawed his way back. He enticed Wetherholt to swing at two cutters, setting the stage for a full-count showdown. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound pitcher unleashed a 100.8 mph fastball that had Wetherholt swinging so hard, his helmet couldn't keep up.
“He’s a big boy, and when he’s on the mound throwing 101, it’s something else,” said Gavin Fien, the Nationals' No. 5 prospect, who made his mark with five RBIs. “Off the field, he’s laid-back, but on the mound, he’s a beast. It’s incredible to watch.”
Drafted in the fourth round last year from Brooklyn's Poly Prep Country Day School, Sime showcased his raw power by firing nine pitches over 100 mph in just one inning.
“It’s wild,” added Eli Willits, the Nationals' No. 1 prospect and a top pick alongside Sime. “He’s relentless in his work ethic.”
While many players are pushing to boost their velocity this Spring Training, Sime is content with where he stands. “I’m happy with my speed right now,” he said with a grin.
“A little more wouldn’t hurt, but I’m not greedy. I like where I’m at.”
Sime's performance not only lit up the radar gun but also the imaginations of fans and scouts alike, hinting at a bright future for the young pitcher.