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NC State RHP signee CJ Gray drafted by Los Angeles Angels

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman07/14/25fleischman_noah
NC State - 2025-07-14T120547.641

Incoming NC State freshman right-handed pitcher CJ Gray was selected by the Los Angeles Angels with the 140th overall pick in the fifth round Monday afternoon at the MLB Draft in Atlanta. 

Gray, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound righty, is likely to sign after being taken within the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft. The Kannapolis (N.C.) A.L. Brown High standout arrived on campus last month, but will most likely not pursue a collegiate baseball career with a slot value of $519,100.

The righty joins junior left-handed pitcher Dominic Fritton and shortstop signee Aidan West as NC State’s first three draft picks of the 2025 edition.

Gray, who has a high 90s fastball and dangerous slider like most of NC State’s top arms on staff, was one of three right-handed pitchers in the Wolfpack’s 2025 recruiting class — Aiden Kitchings and Luke Hemric aren’t likely to hear their names called this weekend. 

ESPN ranked the right-hander as the No. 118 prospect in the draft, while MLB.com slotted him as the No. 178 player and Future Stars had him No. 227.

Before deciding to focus on just baseball, Gray could have played college football. He had interest from several programs, including an offer from Charlotte. He elected to follow the baseball path and committed to NC State over Florida, North Carolina and LSU as the Wolfpack was his first-ever offer in his recruitment.

MLB.com’s scouting report

“Though Gray drew scholarship offers to play quarterback from mid-major college programs, he prefers playing baseball and his future is brighter on the mound. He’s one of the more athletic and electric pitchers in the 2025 high school class, though he also has one of the biggest gaps between his ceiling and floor. He’s extremely raw, but scouts are excited about how much progress he could make once he focuses on baseball.

Gray has a lightning-quick arm that produces fastballs that peak at 98 mph and park at 92-96 with power sink. His sweeping upper-70s slider lacks consistency and he’ll probably be better off with a tighter, harder version in the long run. Given his inexperience, he shows some surprising aptitude for throwing a fading changeup that sits around 80 mph.

Gray is a quality athlete who explodes down the mound but struggles to repeat his delivery. His release point wanders and he currently has below-average control and worse command. He’ll need plenty of polish and time to get it, but he could command a seven-figure bonus to give up his commitment to North Carolina State.”

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