Scouting Report: Cade Obermueller, LHP – University of Iowa
Cade Obermueller, a 6-foot, 170-pound left-handed pitcher from Iowa City, Iowa, emerged as one of the most intriguing arms in the 2025 MLB Draft class. Selected 63rd overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round, Obermueller’s rise from a mid-round pick in 2024 to a top-100 prospect in 2025 is a testament to his development, resilience, and raw talent.
College Career Overview
Obermueller pitched three seasons for the Iowa Hawkeyes, compiling a career record of 11-7 with a 3.60 ERA across 165 innings. He struck out 226 batters, walked 92, and allowed just 9 home runs in 43 appearances (30 starts).
- 2023 (Freshman): 2-1 record, 4.91 ERA, 36 strikeouts in 22 innings
- 2024 (Sophomore): 4-3 record, 3.92 ERA, 73 strikeouts in 59.2 innings
- 2025 (Junior): 5-3 record, 3.02 ERA, 117 strikeouts in 83.1 innings
His 117 strikeouts in 2025 rank second all-time in a single season for Iowa, earning him third-team All-America honors, First Team All-Big Ten, and All-Big Ten Tournament Team recognition.
Pitch Arsenal and Velocity
Obermueller operates from a low arm slot, which adds deception and movement to his pitches. His arsenal includes:
- Fastball: Sits at 91–94 mph, touches 98 mph. Offers varied movement—carry, run, or sink—thanks to his flat approach angle.
- Slider: Low-80s with huge horizontal break. Considered his best pitch, especially effective against left-handed hitters.
- Changeup: Mid-80s, used sparingly. Scouts note it lacks consistency and feel, but it’s a developing third pitch.
His fastball/slider combo is considered knockout-level, and his ability to hold velocity deep into outings has improved significantly.
Advanced Metrics and Traits
- Strikeout Rate (2025): 32.9%
- Walk Rate (2025): 9%
- Ground Ball Rate (Career): 52.1%
- WHIP (2025): 1.13
- H/9 (2025): 6.7
- SO/9 (2025): 12.6
These numbers reflect a pitcher who misses bats, limits hard contact, and has sharpened his command over time.
Career Highlights
- Drafted twice: 19th round by Texas Rangers in 2024, 2nd round by Phillies in 2025
- 2025 All-Midwest Region First Team (ABCA/Rawlings)
- Perfect Game Third-Team All-American
- Two-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week in 2024
- Career-high 10 strikeouts in a Big Ten Tournament win over Rutgers
- Pitched seven scoreless innings in his final college start
His decision to return to Iowa after being drafted in 2024 proved wise, as he significantly boosted his draft stock and refined his mechanics.
Scouting Grades (MLB.com)
| Pitch | Grade |
|---|---|
| Fastball | 55 |
| Slider | 65 |
| Changeup | 45 |
| Control | 50 |
| Overall | 50 |
These grades reflect a pitcher with above-average stuff and room to grow, particularly with his changeup and overall command.
Projection and Role
While Obermueller’s size (6’0″, 170 lbs) and delivery raise some concerns about long-term durability, his improved strike-throwing and ability to maintain velocity suggest he could stick as a starter. However, many scouts believe he could reach the majors as a reliever by late 2026, especially given his two-pitch dominance.
His deceptive delivery and slider make him a nightmare for left-handed hitters, and his fastball has enough life to challenge righties. If he can develop his changeup and refine his control, he has mid-rotation upside.
Baseball Bloodlines
Cade is the son of Wes Obermueller, a former MLB pitcher who played five seasons with the Royals, Brewers, and Marlins. Wes was also a second-round pick out of Iowa in 1999, making Cade’s selection a full-circle moment for the family.
Summary
Cade Obermueller is a high-upside lefty with a proven track record, elite strikeout ability, and a fastball/slider combo that plays at the next level. His junior season was a breakout campaign that showcased his growth in velocity, command, and poise. Whether he develops into a starter or fast-tracks to the bullpen, the Phillies have landed a pitcher with the tools and tenacity to make an impact.
If you’d like, I can break this down into a player profile card or even simulate how he might fare in his first pro season. Just say the word.
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