This Spring, Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts have gathered to watch Poly Prep baseball games, each of them with a radar gun in hand. While these devices sometimes measure the exit velocity of a baseball after making contact with a bat, in this case, they’re used to measure the velocity of pitches—particularly from two standout right-handed pitchers who are lighting up both radar screens and draft boards.
The 2025 Poly Prep Baseball Team is loaded with senior talent, featuring 15 graduating players, eight of whom are committed to playing college baseball. Among them are pitchers Miguel Sime Jr. and Justice De Jong, both drawing considerable attention as potential 2025 MLB Draft picks. Sime Jr. is committed to Louisiana State University (LSU), while De Jong is headed to Duke University, at least for now.
Sime Jr., who transferred to Poly in early 2023 (his sophomore year), previously attended Saint Mary’s High School in Manhasset, New York.
“Poly stood out to me because of its top-notch baseball resources and exposure. Along with all its history, the experience that the coaching staff has really sealed the deal for me,” he said.
Sime Jr. has experienced nothing but success since transferring to Poly, both for the baseball team, as he played a crucial role in winning the NYSAIS State Championship in 2023, and individually, as his pitching velocity has increased by five miles per hour since joining the team and he is currently ranked as the number two player in New York State.
Sime Jr. attributes his individual growth to consistently practicing in Poly’s state-of-the-art baseball facility, the Hindy ’91 Training Center, as well as training with his personal coach, who has helped him make huge strides in his progress.
According to Baseball Prospect Journal, Sime Jr.’s “imposing 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame and a fastball that routinely touches triple digits, featuring lively carry and heavy sink” has earned him the attention of many MLB scouts.
Just Baseball has Sime Jr. ranked as the No. 80 high school prospect in the draft, and also credits his blazing fastball to most of his success. “The fastball is overpowering when he’s in the zone, missing bats at a consistent clip with good carry through the zone.”
Looking at it from a broader perspective, the MLB website has Sime Jr. ranked as the No. 100 prospect overall in the 2025 MLB draft.
It is still unknown what lies ahead for Sime Jr. in the next few years, whether he will play baseball at LSU or sign with an MLB team. When asked about his thoughts on the upcoming decision, Sime Jr. responded, “I’m just leaving it up to God, honestly. I’m not leaning any way.”
De Jong has been at Poly since his freshman year in 2021 and has been an asset to the baseball program, winning two NYSAIS state championships and helping Poly maintain their dominant reputation as the baseball powerhouse of the Northeast. He announced his verbal commitment to Duke in his freshman year and has since received continued interest from MLB scouts.
Being a two-way talent has added to De Jong’s draft stock, but this season, he made an important decision to give up hitting.
“I decided to quit hitting to focus 100% on pitching. I wanted to really lock in my craft and be the best pitcher I can be. I know at the next level I will be a pitcher, so why not start now?” said De Jong.
It seems like the general consensus is that De Jong has more potential as a pitcher than as a hitter. The MLB website writes, “De Jong has legitimate two-way talent, though scouts prefer his stuff and projection on the mound after seeing him pitch well against premium talent on the summer showcase circuit.”
Just Baseball has De Jong ranked as the No. 37 high school prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft, whereas the MLB website has De Jong ranked as the No. 96 prospect overall. Like Sime Jr., the question remains if De Jong will follow through with his commitment or if he will head straight to the league if drafted.
“I think that whatever decision is given to me, I will be happy with it. My dream has always been to play MLB baseball, and I will follow whichever path gives me the best chance for that,” said De Jong.
Looking at the big picture, if De Jong and Sime Jr. choose to honor their commitment to Duke and LSU, respectively, they won’t be eligible for the MLB Draft again until after their junior year in 2028. As it stands, both are projected as third or fourth-round picks in the 2025 draft, making their upcoming decisions all the more intriguing. Will they choose the college route and develop further, or seize the opportunity to go to the league straight out of high school?
