Los Angeles Dodgers Select Talented Left-Handed Pitcher Zach Root With 40th Overall Pick in 2025 MLB Draft To Bolster Farm System
With the 40th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers added another promising arm to their already-deep talent pipeline by selecting left-handed pitcher Zach Root out of East Carolina University. The move underscores the Dodgers’ continued commitment to investing in high-upside arms and further developing a farm system that has consistently produced impact talent at the big-league level.
Root, a 6-foot-1 southpaw with a repeatable delivery and a strong collegiate resume, quickly emerged as one of the more intriguing names in this year’s draft class. Known for his ability to command multiple pitches, miss bats, and maintain poise on the mound, he brings a mix of polish and potential that fits seamlessly into the Dodgers’ development model.
Root finished his junior season at ECU with impressive numbers: a 2.78 ERA, 118 strikeouts, and only 28 walks in 102.1 innings pitched. He served as the Friday night starter for the Pirates and routinely matched up against top talent from across the nation. His performance in high-leverage games, particularly during conference play and the NCAA tournament, elevated his draft stock and attracted interest from multiple MLB teams. But it was the Dodgers who saw in him a perfect blend of reliability, projection, and competitive edge.
“We’ve had our eye on Zach for a while,” Dodgers amateur scouting director Billy Gasparino said. “He’s a competitor. He throws strikes, works quickly, and knows how to pitch. We think there’s a lot more in the tank.”
Root’s arsenal includes a fastball that sits in the 91–94 mph range with late life, a sharp-breaking curveball that tunnels well off the heater, and a changeup that has emerged as a legitimate out pitch. Though not overpowering in terms of velocity, Root excels in sequencing, location, and deception—traits that have become hallmarks of successful Dodgers pitchers in recent years. His smooth mechanics and athleticism also suggest he could continue adding velocity as he matures physically and further refines his body in a professional strength program.
Many scouts have praised Root for his pitchability, a term often reserved for pitchers who demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the craft. He’s known for his ability to adjust mid-game, attack weaknesses in hitters’ swings, and manage the flow of innings effectively. While some pitchers come with questions about whether they’ll remain starters at the professional level, Root’s command and mental makeup give him a strong chance to stick in a starting role long-term.
The Dodgers’ decision to draft Root reflects a broader trend in their scouting and player development philosophy. Rather than solely targeting high-velocity, high-risk arms, Los Angeles has focused on pitchers with strong foundations—those who can throw strikes, spin a breaking ball, and have a clear path toward durability and effectiveness. With recent draft success stories such as Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone already contributing at the big-league level, Root joins an organization that has repeatedly turned college arms into dependable major leaguers.
Root’s draft journey has been years in the making. A standout at North Myrtle Beach High School in South Carolina, he first made waves during showcase circuits in his senior year, ultimately landing at East Carolina—a program known for developing tough, competitive pitchers. There, he blossomed under a coaching staff that emphasized discipline, control, and mental fortitude, three traits that now define his game. By the time he entered his junior year, Root had earned the role of staff ace and carried the weight of expectations into every outing.
“He’s a bulldog out there,” one opposing coach said during the season. “He doesn’t give in, he doesn’t flinch. He’s the kind of guy you hate facing on a Friday night.”
It’s that edge that appealed most to the Dodgers. While Root may not have the flashiest numbers or the loudest stuff in the draft class, his ability to control a game, handle pressure, and execute pitches with precision make him a highly valuable asset. And in an organization like Los Angeles—where elite player development meets big-league ambition—those skills can be sharpened and amplified quickly.
Root will likely begin his professional career at one of the Dodgers’ lower minor league affiliates, possibly with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes or the Great Lakes Loons, depending on how quickly he signs and is evaluated in training. From there, the goal will be to stretch out his innings, introduce him to pro-level pitch design concepts, and further develop his physical strength. The Dodgers are known for individualizing development plans for each pitcher, and Root will benefit from a system that maximizes strengths while addressing weaknesses with cutting-edge data and instruction.
In terms of upside, Root profiles as a potential No. 3 or 4 starter at the big-league level if everything clicks. His floor is relatively high due to his command and poise, and some scouts believe he could move quickly through the minors, especially if the changeup continues to improve. There’s also room to experiment with pitch shapes—something the Dodgers’ analytics department excels at—to potentially increase his strikeout rate and overall effectiveness.
The selection of Root also adds a needed left-handed option to the Dodgers’ pitching depth chart. While the big-league club currently features some lefty relievers, the starting rotation pipeline has leaned heavily right-handed in recent years. Adding Root balances the organizational portfolio and gives the team another weapon against left-handed-heavy lineups in the future.
Reactions from draft analysts have been overwhelmingly positive. MLB Pipeline ranked Root as the No. 49 overall prospect in the class, citing his advanced feel for pitching and ability to handle pressure as major assets. Baseball America gave the pick high marks, pointing out that while Root may not have the ceiling of some of the prep arms drafted ahead of him, his likelihood of reaching the majors and making an impact is greater than most at his draft position.
For Root, the call from the Dodgers represented the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and resilience. “It’s a dream come true,” he said in a brief post-draft interview. “To be picked by a team like the Dodgers—it’s surreal. I’m ready to get to work.”
Root’s path won’t be easy, and nothing is guaranteed in the world of professional baseball. But he enters the next chapter of his career backed by one of the best organizations in the game—one that knows how to develop arms, challenge talent, and build winners. If his college track record and reputation are any indication, Zach Root is ready for the challenge.
And the Dodgers, once again, have found a pitcher who may be far more valuable than his draft number suggests.
