Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (7th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft after his outstanding career at LSU, Aaron Nola made his MLB debut on July 21, 2015 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He quickly became a centerpiece in the Phillies’ rotation. Known for his excellent control, command, competitive instincts, ability to induce weak contact and to pitch deep into games using his signature fastball, changeup, and curveball, Nola has etched his name in stone as one of the game’s premier pitchers by keeping hitters off balance.
The proud Italian American has recorded multiple seasons with double-digit wins and consistent strikeout totals, consistently ranking among the National League’s top starters. 2018 was a breakout year as he was named an MLB All-Star and finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting after tallying 17 wins. He went on to help the Phillies reach the 2022 World Series. Despite being plagued by injury in 2025, Nola still managed to make 17 starts. Over his stellar career, Nola is one of the club’s all-time strikeout leaders and tops many franchise pitching records.
Michael Lorenzen was a two-way star at Cal State Fullerton, where he was both a pitcher and an outfielder. The versatile player was named an All-American and a finalist for the John Olerud Award in 2012. Lorenzen was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st round (38th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on April 29, 2015 and spent his first seven seasons with the Reds as a starter and reliever before playing for the Los Angeles Angels in 2022.
Lorenzen began the 2023 season with the Detroit Tigers, but was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He became a 2023 MLB All-Star and went on to throw a no-hitter for the Phillies against the Washington Nationals in his home debut with the club. After signing with the Texas Rangers in 2024, Lorenzen was traded to the Kansas City Royals mid-season and remained a Royal through 2025. The Colorado Rockies recently signed him to a one-year deal with a team option for 2027. The 34-year-old right-handed gurler does everything he can to keep his team in the game with quality starts deep into contests.
Greg Weissert was selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round (548th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Fordham University. The hard-throwing right-handed pitcher was a dominant reliever in Triple-A and was named 2022 International League Pitcher of the Year. Weissert made his MLB debut on August 25, 2022 with the New York Yankees and remained in pinstripes for parts of two seasons. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox in December 2023 and has been a key bullpen arm ever since.
Known as a versatile reliever with a strong slider, Weissert has transitioned into a reliable late-inning weapon, contributing both in middle relief and high-leverage spots. Through the 2025 season, he has appeared in 163 MLB games with a 13–8 record, 3.28 ERA, and 148 strikeouts. This past year, the trusted stopper posted a 2.82 ERA in 72 appearances (67 innings), including four saves, and maintained a 1.16 WHIP. Weissert was last seen throwing a scoreless inning in the 2025 American League Wild Card game against the New York Yankees, proving he was born to perform under pressure.
Adam Ottavino was drafted in the 30th round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but chose to attend Northeastern University instead. At Northeastern, he became one of the program’s all-time leaders in strikeouts and was the second-highest draft pick in school history when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 1st round (30th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft. Ottavino made his MLB debut on May 29, 2010, logging 5.2 innings in his first big-league game. Claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies in April 2012, Ottavino became a reliable bullpen arm. In 2013, he posted a 2.64 ERA in 51 games. He was named the Rockies’ closer in 2015, but an arm injury and eventual Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the season. After returning, he set a Rockies franchise record with 37 scoreless appearances in 2016 and later in 2018 led the majors in holds with 34.
Ottavino joined the New York Yankees during the 2019 and 2020 seasons before pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2021, when he made 69 relief appearances and picked up 11 saves. He signed with the New York Mets ahead of the 2022 season, delivering one of his best years with an impressive 2.06 ERA over 66 games as a setup man. His tenure with the Mets also included leadership roles in high-leverage situations through the 2024 campaign before returning to the New York Yankees in 2025. With 727 appearances to his credit, Ottavino has compiled a 41-43 record, 3.48 ERA, 862 strikeouts, and 46 saves. Known for his powerful right-handed delivery and strikeout ability, the 40-year-old veteran has been one of the most durable and trusted relievers throughout his career. Whether used in setup roles and high-leverage innings or as a closer, he can help Team Italy when needed late in the game.
Samuel Aldegheri grew up in Verona, Italy, where baseball is far less prominent than in the U.S. His early exposure to the sport came from watching MLB games and videos abroad, fueling his dream to play at the highest level. He has made seven appearances (five starts) for the Los Angeles Angels over the last two years. The first Italian-born and developed in history to pitch in the Major Leagues made his MLB debut on August 30, 2024 and a week later on September 6th he earned his first big-league win against the Texas Rangers on September 6, 2024 (6 IP, R, 7 K) He spent most of 2025 was in Double-A (8-8 record, 3.72 ERA) before several appearances between the Big League and Triple-A. The crafty left-handed pitcher has worked to refine his game as both a starter and reliever. He possesses a fastball and a plethora of secondary pitches designed to keep hitters guessing.
Dan Altavilla was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 5th round (141st overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Mercyhurst University and made his MLB debut on August 27, 2016. He began his MLB career working out of the Mariners bullpen until 2020, when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Altavilla spent parts of two seasons with the Friars before a stint with the Kansas City Royals in 2024. He signed with the Chicago White Sox in 2025, when he made 28 relief appearances (29 innings) and recorded a respectable 2.48 ERA . Having signed a deal the Minnesota Twins this year, the seasoned veteran has eight years of MLB experience with 152 appearances (148.2 IP) and 155 strikeouts with a career 4.00 ERA. He is known for providing middle-inning bullpen depth, mixing a fastball with breaking and off-speed pitches to get hitters out in short bursts.
Joe La Sorsa was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th round (548th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of St. John’s University. He progressed through the minors with strong strikeout rates, including a 36.3% strikeout rate at Double-A in 2022 before making his MLB debut on May 29, 2023 when throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. After two appearances with the Rays, he was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals in June 2023. The lefty specialist pitched out of the Nationals bullpen in 2023 and 2024, combining for over 30 MLB appearances with a mid-4.00 ERA. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds before the 2025 season and made five major league relief appearances. Known to be effective for his sinker, sweeper and changeup, La Sorsa is currently seeking a new home in the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen.
Matt Festa was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 7th round (207th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of East Stroudsburg University and made his MLB Debut on July 14, 2018 He spent multiple seasons in the Seattle bullpen (2018–2019, 2022–2023) and was idle for a couple years after Tommy John surgery in 2020. Festa split time during the 2024 season between the New York Mets and Texas Rangers, registering a strong 6–0 record with the Rangers in relief. Traded to the Cleveland Guardians on April 30, 2025, he made 63 relief appearances last season. Known as a middle relief specialist with a mix of fastballs, sliders, cutters, and sweepers, Festa provides Team Italy with a lethal mix of effective pitches to attack hitters in the box.
Kyle Nicolas was selected in the 2nd round (61st overall) by the Miami Marlins in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Ball State. In 2021, Nicolas began his professional career with the High-A Beloit Snappers before earning a promotion to the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. On November 29, 2021, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2022, Nicolas pitched for the Double-A Altoona Curve, making 24 appearances (22 starts) with a 3.97 ERA and 101 strikeouts. During the 2023 season, he split time between Altoona and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, logging a combined 4–7 record with a 5.20 ERA, 127 strikeouts, and two saves. In fact, while at the Triple-A level, he once struck out nine batters in a single relief outing. The Pirates took notice and quickly added him to the 40-man roster, which resulted in his MLB debut on September 19, 2023. Nicolas began 2024 in Triple-A but was called up in April and spent most of the season with the Pirates, appearing in 51 games with a 2–2 record and a 3.95 ERA over 54.2 innings. He remained on the major league roster in 2025, when also struck out 55 batters and recorded a 1–2 record with a 4.74 ERA in 31 relief appearances out of the Pirates bullpen. Featuring a powerful fastball and a solid breaking ball along with his imposing mound presence, long arms and size (6′3″, 225 lb), Nicolas delivers strikes lightening quick.
Known for his dominant college career at the University of Mississippi, where he led Ole Miss to its first national championship and was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player in 2022, Dylan DeLucia was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft. He has since performed well in the minor leagues, reaching the Double-A level. In 13 starts (62 innings) for the Double-A Akron Rubber Ducks in 2025, DeLucia registered a 5-4 record with 52 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA. MLB scouts note his ability to attack hitters and generate strikeouts. He has shown the ability to limit walks and compete effectively in big moments, traits that served him well in both college and the minors. A solid right-handed pitcher with a fastball, slider and changeup. DeLucia is a welcome addition to the Team Italy pitching arsenal.
Ron Marinaccio was selected by the New York Yankees in the 19th round (572nd overall) in the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Delaware. He made his MLB debut on April 9, 2022 with the New York Yankees, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. In his rookie season, he became a reliable part of the Yankees bullpen, posting a 2.05 ERA in 40 games with excellent command and strong strikeout numbers (56 K). He continued to impress with the Yankees in 2023 and parts of 2024, combining for over 80 relief appearances, before being claimed by the Chicago White Sox on September 23, 2024. Marinaccio was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2025 and appeared in seven MLB games (10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA). Across his big-league career, Marinaccio has appeared in 108 games with a 3.02 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 125.1 innings of relief. With an effective mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches to induce swings and misses. this right-handed Team Italy bullpen arm was built to get quick outs and keep runners on base stranded without crossing the plate.
Alex Jacob was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 16th round (490th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga University, where he threw a no-hitter against Pepperdine and was named West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2021. He was chosen as the 2022 San Diego Padres Pitching Prospect of the Year and made his Major League debut on July 15, 2023 for the Friars. Over parts of 2023–2025, Jacob has made 39 appearances with 47 strikeouts in 51 innings of relief with a 4.06 career ERA. He features a mix of pitches that allow him to work selectively in late-innings relief roles.
Gordon Graceffo was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th round (151st overall) of 2021 MLB Draft out of Villanova. His ability to generate soft contact and prevent extra-base hits were among the calling cards that made him stand out as a professional prospect. Named to the 2021 ABCA All-East Region First Team, Graceffo stablished himself as one of the top pitchers in school history despite having both his sophomore and junior seasons truncated by the COVID-19 pandemic. His career 1.193 WHIP ranked third and 2.86 ERA ranked fourth in the record books.
In 2022, he was named the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year after combining for a 10-6 record with a 2.97 ERA, 139 strikeouts, and excellent control across High-A and Double-A. In 2023, Graceffo pitched for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, posting a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts and refining his arsenal against advanced hitters. He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2024, appearing in relief and pitching 4.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025, Graceffo split time between the Cardinals bullpen and Triple-A, working primarily as a reliever at the MLB level. He recorded his first major league win on April 30, 2025, tossing five strong innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Graceffo has a combined MLB career 3–2 record with 46 strikeouts in 50.2 innings of work as a spot starter and reliever out of the bullpen. His repertoire includes a fastball that can touch the high-90s and effective breaking pitches.
Alessandro Ercolani tipped off his talent early when he participated in the 2016 Little League World Series. He signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in April 2021 to become the first player from San Marino ever to sign with a Major League organization. In 2023, he made 15 starts for Single-A Bradenton with a 4.43 ERA, and later saw action as one of the youngest players in the Arizona Fall League, which features many of the best prospects in baseball. In 2025, Ercolani helped Double-A Altoona reach the playoffs by putting together a career-high 100.1 innings pitched with a 4.04 ERA, showing continued development and durability, Equipped with a mid-90s fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup, the promising 21-year-old remains a top Pittsburgh Pirates prospect (currently ranked 21st in their system) with the potential to reach Triple-A and eventually PNC Park.
Gabriele Quattrini showcased his pitching prowess at the 2012 European Baseball Academy, a development program for international prospects. Since then, he has played at the highest level in Italy (Serie A) over the past five seasons (46 starts, 60 games). Quattrini has been the driving force for Hotsand Macerata for several seasons and has represented Team Italy in international competitions. At Haarlem Baseball Week 2022, he pitched six shutout innings to lead Italy to a historic win over Cuba. The right-handed pitcher earned a Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 win against Spain with 6.2 innings of quality work. Most recently he threw seven scoreless innings and only allowed three hits in the 1-0 shutout over Germany in the European Baseball Championship quarterfinal game on September 25, 2025. Quattrini is known as a workhorse on the mound with excellent command and is capable of pitching deep into games. He has established himself as one of the elite Italian pitchers in recent times.
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