‘Just need one shot’: Cutters’ Murray discusses challenges of going undrafted, how he’s overcoming it
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Zachary Murray's expectations heading into the MLB Draft were high, but reasonably so.
After kicking off 2024 with a strong season at Young Harris College, he carried that success into his first minor league stint as the Williamsport Crosscutters’ first-half ace. There was plenty of reason for him, his teammates, his coaches and fans to expect his number to be called throughout the 20-round draft, or in the days that followed.
But with it having concluded a few days ago, he remains available.
"I thought I was going to get a call on Day Two or Three," said Murray. "I sat there waiting for it and didn't get it. It sucks but you can either take it and think about it and not get better or take it as motivation and try to push forward every day. So, that's what I'm doing."
Murray pitched more innings than any pitcher in the MLB Draft League last season, which can be a double-edged sword for multiple reasons. Those include it giving opponents more time to learn and adjust to your arsenal and creating more instances in which you could have an off night.
But he showed up day in and day out, earning more wins than any pitcher in the league while maintaining an ERA under 3.00 and staying within the top-15 in opposing batting average (.200) and WHIP (1.13). Of all the aspects of his game that he's displayed throughout his time in Williamsport, he feels consistency was the biggest.
"The willingness to go out there every single time, compete at my absolute best, give it my all and just be really tough to get the ball off my hand," said Murray. "I'm the type of guy that wants to play. I want to pitch every single inning."
When you've done all you can to achieve something, it's gut-wrenching to fall short and makes having to re-evaluate a struggle. Matching the energy and drive from that previous push takes a strong mindset and plenty of confidence.
But Murray's maintained the positive outlook that helped him get his confidence back after a few rough seasons of college ball. His drive was certainly challenged, especially in the immediate aftermath, but he still sees better days ahead and recognizes that this shortcoming doesn't define him.
"It's just another thing you've got to mark down on your calendar," expressed Murray. "I thought I was on top of the world and then, you get brought right back down. So, it's just building from that and having to re-instill that 'you're not just a baseball player, you're a son, a grandson, a brother' (mentality)."
"I know I was put on this earth to put smiles on people's faces and bring joy to everyone I'm around. If I'm going to be negative, annoying and down all the time, no one's going to be around. I want to be the guy that people love being around. It did hit a little bit, but I'm back to my normal self here," he added.
The 22 year old was reinstated as a member of Williamsport's roster in the days leading up to Williamsport's second opener, with the current plan being to show what he can do as a reliever. Though he still feels like he's proven himself as a starter, he also feels like he can prosper as a member of the bullpen.
"They've got me in a different kind of throwing program right now. So, hopefully I'm going to come back, one to two innings, and hopefully be in the 94s, 96s (MPH range) and maybe touch the sevens and try to get us out of here as fast as I can," said Murray on the prospect. "It's going to be fun. I'm pumped to do it."
When it comes to improvements, he's mostly just focused on getting his velocity up after consistently pitching a fast ball in the low to mid 90s last season.
Other than that, these next few weeks are about staying positive, continuing to put in the work and enjoying the time he has left in Williamsport. The biggest positives he's taken away from being back on the team are getting to spend more time playing in front of the fans at Bowman and interacting with those involved with the team and organization.
"Seeing the fans is really, really cool. They have a soft spot for me, and I have soft spots for them," said Murray. "Seeing the people in the booth, everyone that works here that I've gotten really close to in the first half, it's good seeing those people. (And) the coaches, of course, Skip, all the guys."
He remains confident he'll find a way into the big leagues, firmly believing that one shot is all he needs.
"I'm coming for it. I need my shot. I want my shot and I'm going to get it," stated Murray. "And when I get it, it's going to be fantastic."