"All I want to do is play the highest level ball I could": Texas commit Kyle DeGroat admits living his 'dream' while contemplating MLB draft decision

Kyle DeGroat is among the top names in the 2024 MLB draft. Fresh out of Wallkill High School, the teenager is one of the most talented high school prospects, with teams keen on picking him to improve their rosters.

The natural step for a high school graduate is to choose a university to pursue further studies and hone their skills by playing NCAA Baseball. However, it is not unnatural to see graduates make the major leagues, with ex-New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez being a prime example.

DeGroat also faces a similar choice with the draft just around the corner on July 15-16. While he has committed to the University of Texas at Austin, his performances for Wallkill High have shown he can make it big in the major leagues straightaway. Talking to Ken McMillan, he admitted he is living the dream:

"All I want to do is play the highest level ball I could. I'm an 18-year-old kid living out my dream right now. I'm just embracing and enjoying it every step of the way and really just soaking it all in." [H/T Times Herald Record]

The 18-year-old further added that he looks forward to his next journey, regardless of what's in store for him.

"There's no wrong choice. I'm excited for whatever new journeys, whatever new doors are going to open for me."

Kyle DeGroat has been a standout for Wallkill High this season

Kyle DeGroat has been in stellar form for Wallkill High School this season. (Image credit: Imagn)

Armed with a fastball that consistently hits between 92mph and 94mph, DeGroat has been lethal on the mound. He recorded 107 strikeouts with an exemplary ERA of just 0.60 in 47 innings pitched.

Should he choose to play NCAA baseball, he will represent the Longhorns. The six-time College World Series winners finished third in the Big 12 conference this season. They made the postseason as the third seed in the Bryan-College Station Regional but were eliminated after losing to the Texas A&M Aggies and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in quick succession.

The decision is tough, but it seems either decision will be fruitful for Kyle DeGroat. Only time will tell the route he chooses to take for his future in baseball.