Midland RockHounds' Arnold ready for Double-A test in 1st pro assignment

Left-handed pitcher Jamie Arnold begins his pro career with the Midland RockHounds after being drafted 11th overall by the Athletics.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery from multiple perspectives, using bold colors and sharp, overlapping shapes to capture the dynamic motion and unique style of the player.A cubist interpretation of a young pitcher's unorthodox delivery, hinting at the deceptive angles and funky mechanics that could make him a rising star.Midland Today

Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher drafted 11th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2025 MLB draft, is starting his professional baseball career with the Midland RockHounds in Double-A. Despite his young age, the Athletics see great potential in Arnold and are fast-tracking him to the higher levels of the minors.

Why it matters

Arnold's rapid promotion to Double-A, skipping the lower levels, demonstrates the high regard the Athletics have for his talent and potential. This is an exciting opportunity for the 22-year-old to prove himself at an advanced level early in his pro career.

The details

Arnold, a 6'1" 188-pound left-hander, posted a 3.00 ERA in Cactus League games with the Athletics this spring. He developed a unique, low-slot delivery at Florida State that helped him guide the Seminoles to the College World Series as a sophomore and post a 2.98 ERA as a junior. Arnold's funky mechanics and three-pitch mix, including a strikeout-inducing changeup, make him a intriguing prospect.

  • Arnold was drafted 11th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2025 MLB draft.
  • He made three appearances for the Athletics in Cactus League games this spring.

The players

Jamie Arnold

A 22-year-old left-handed pitcher who was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics. He is beginning his professional career with the Midland RockHounds in Double-A.

Gregorio Petit

The manager of the Midland RockHounds, who is looking forward to seeing how Arnold handles the transition to professional baseball after pitching in the high-level Atlantic Coast Conference at Florida State.

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What they’re saying

“It's awesome. It means a lot. Obviously, that means the team sees me highly. It's going to be a challenge. It's not going to be easy. But I'm ready for it. It's awesome to be here. If you get to skip two levels, I will take it all day. The main goal is to be in the big leagues, and this is just one step closer.”

— Jamie Arnold, Pitcher

“He's talented. His mechanics, he has some deceptive angles to work with. Hopefully, that plays out for us, and he helps us win some games and hopefully he leaves here soon, he gets out of here quick.”

— Gregorio Petit, RockHounds Manager

What’s next

Arnold will look to continue his strong performance at the Double-A level with the Midland RockHounds, with the goal of quickly advancing to the major leagues with the Oakland Athletics.

The takeaway

Jamie Arnold's rapid promotion to the Double-A level in his first professional assignment demonstrates the high regard the Athletics have for his talent and potential. This is an exciting opportunity for the young left-hander to prove himself at an advanced level early in his career and potentially put himself on the fast track to the major leagues.