Zach Root’s Dream Realized as Los Angeles Dodgers Select East Carolina Star Pitcher 40th Overall in 2025 MLB Draft

In a moment that blended emotion, potential, and recognition of years of dedication, East Carolina left-handed pitcher Zach Root heard his name called as the 40th overall selection in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. With that announcement, Root transitioned from standout collegiate arm to professional prospect, landing with a franchise known for developing elite pitchers and consistently competing for championships.

The selection places Root in one of Major League Baseball’s most prestigious organizations. The Dodgers, perennial contenders with a reputation for identifying and cultivating high-upside talent, clearly see something special in the young southpaw. The 21-year-old left-hander from Fort Myers, Florida, saw his stock rise dramatically over the last 12 months, with scouts lauding his poise, pitchability, and ability to dominate in high-leverage situations. For Root, it was never about flashy radar gun numbers but about command, deception, and a deep understanding of how to get hitters out. That cerebral approach and competitive fire made him one of the most intriguing arms outside the first round.

Root carved out an impressive junior season at East Carolina, cementing his status as one of the top left-handed pitchers in college baseball. He compiled a 9-2 record with a 2.71 ERA across 98 innings, striking out 112 while issuing just 22 walks. His performance led the Pirates to yet another NCAA regional appearance, reinforcing the program’s consistency and reputation as a pitcher-friendly pipeline. But for all the accolades and numbers, it was Root’s maturity and quiet intensity on the mound that separated him from his peers.

“I just try to compete every pitch,” Root said during a midseason interview. “The game will reward you if you stay in the moment and trust your stuff.”

That mindset mirrored the ethos of the Dodgers, a team that has built its success around not only talent but character and discipline. Los Angeles has a rich history of turning second-round picks and later selections into front-line contributors. Names like Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, and Bobby Miller were all once college stars who blossomed into key arms under the Dodgers’ developmental system. Root now enters that same pipeline, joining a franchise with top-tier pitching infrastructure and resources.

Root’s rise to this moment wasn’t without challenges. Underrated coming out of high school despite a dominant senior year at Fort Myers High School, Root committed to East Carolina in part because he valued a program that believed in his long-term potential. His freshman year in 2023 saw flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency and a minor arm fatigue issue limited his usage. However, he made a leap in his sophomore year and became the ace in 2025, showcasing three polished pitches and improved velocity. His fastball now sits in the 91-94 mph range with late life, complemented by a sharp low-80s slider and a fading changeup that generates weak contact.

Scouts especially appreciated Root’s command and his ability to repeat his delivery under pressure. His 5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio was among the best in the American Athletic Conference, and his WHIP consistently hovered around 1.00. In multiple outings, Root went deep into games, including a standout 8-inning, 12-strikeout performance against nationally-ranked Coastal Carolina. That outing may have solidified his status as a Top 50 draft prospect, with several scouting directors in attendance.

“He’s the kind of pitcher who makes everyone around him better,” one National League scout said. “He’s efficient, focused, and always in control. Guys like that tend to succeed at the next level.”

For the Dodgers, Root represents both a short-term and long-term investment. In the short term, his polished approach could allow him to move quickly through the minors. Some evaluators believe he could reach Double-A by late 2026 if he stays healthy and adapts well to professional hitters. Long-term, his ceiling may not be that of a No. 1 ace, but rather a reliable mid-rotation starter — a valuable asset in any organization. His low-effort delivery and pitch economy make him a candidate to eventually log significant innings at the big-league level.

Root’s demeanor has also drawn comparisons to Dodgers lefty Ryan Yarbrough, who found success using a similar cerebral approach. But Root’s stuff projects better than Yarbrough’s at the same age, with more movement and tighter spin rates. That combination of smarts, stuff, and competitiveness makes him one of the most intriguing left-handed pitching prospects in the Dodgers’ farm system post-draft.

The Dodgers’ player development staff is likely to focus on slight mechanical refinements and increasing Root’s strength and durability. With a frame listed at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, there’s room to add muscle, potentially unlocking another tick of velocity. But even if the radar readings don’t change, Root’s sequencing and command allow him to attack hitters in multiple ways.

Off the field, Root is known for his humility and leadership. At East Carolina, he was a vocal presence in the dugout, always supporting teammates and mentoring younger arms. His commitment to the team was evident when he returned for his junior year despite interest from several MLB organizations after his sophomore campaign.

“I wanted to finish something with these guys,” Root said after announcing his return for the 2025 season. “I believed we could do something special together, and I wanted to leave on the right note.”

Now, Root leaves East Carolina as one of the most decorated pitchers in program history and enters a Dodgers system ready to refine his strengths. The organization has shown a knack for developing left-handers, and with modern biomechanics, analytics, and personalized training plans, Root will have all the tools to maximize his potential.

The draft night reaction among Pirates fans and teammates was emotional. Social media was flooded with congratulations, while East Carolina head coach Cliff Godwin praised Root’s work ethic and development.

“Zach has earned every bit of this,” Godwin said. “He’s the kind of young man you build a program around — tough, smart, and driven. The Dodgers are getting a great pitcher and an even better person.”

For Root’s family, who supported him through travel ball, injuries, and recruiting decisions, hearing his name during the second round was a culmination of sacrifices and belief. The cameras caught a teary but smiling Root hugging his parents after the announcement. In that moment, the years of practice, early mornings, and late-night bullpen sessions paid off.

As Root prepares to join the Dodgers’ organization — likely starting at their Arizona complex before heading to Single-A — he knows the real work begins now. But as he’s shown throughout his career, he embraces challenges. The pressure of expectations won’t faze him.

“Getting drafted is a dream come true,” Root said in a post-draft interview. “But now it’s time to earn everything. I’m ready to go to work.”

If history is any indication, the Dodgers will help him do just that. And in a few years, don’t be surprised if Zach Root is toeing the rubber at Dodger Stadium, proving once again that smart, driven pitchers with a chip on their shoulder can thrive in the big leagues.