Casey Mize Bio
Casey Arthur Mize (born May 1, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Tigers selected him with the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft after a standout college career at Auburn University. Mize made his major league debut in August 2020 and, after injuries slowed his early progression, returned to form in 2025 with his first All-Star selection.
Early Life and Background
Casey Arthur Mize was born on May 1, 1997, in Springville, Alabama. He grew up in the same small community where he later attended Springville High School. During his high school career, Mize established himself as one of the top prep arms in the state, compiling an impressive 19–2 record.
His performance at Springville drew attention from college recruiters across the Southeast. Mize committed to Auburn University to continue both his education and his baseball development. The decision to join the Auburn Tigers set the stage for one of the most decorated amateur careers in program history.
Path to Major League Baseball
At Auburn, Mize wasted little time showing why he was considered a top prospect. As a freshman in 2016, he appeared in 16 games with seven starts, going 2–5 with a 3.52 ERA and 59 strikeouts. That summer, he played collegiate baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, gaining valuable experience against elite competition.
His sophomore season in 2017 proved transformational. Mize pitched in 13 games with 12 starts, posting an 8–2 record, a 2.04 ERA, 109 strikeouts, and only nine walks. He followed that summer by representing the United States collegiate national team. As Auburn’s opening day starter in 2018, Mize threw a no-hitter against the Northeastern Huskies on March 9, finishing the year 10–6 with a 3.30 ERA and 156 strikeouts over 17 starts.
Casey Mize Career
Minor League Career (2018–2019)
The Detroit Tigers selected Mize with the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft. On June 25, 2018, he signed with the Tigers, receiving a $7.5 million signing bonus. He made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Tigers of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before being promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the High-A Florida State League. Mize compiled a combined 0–1 record with a 3.95 ERA in five starts before being shut down for the remainder of the season due to an innings limit.
In 2019, the Tigers invited Mize to spring training as a non-roster player. He returned to Lakeland as its Opening Day starter and posted a 0.35 ERA over four starts before earning a promotion to the Erie SeaWolves of the Double-A Eastern League. In his first start for Erie, Mize tossed a no-hitter against the Altoona Curve, striking out seven on 98 pitches in a 1–0 victory. He was later placed on the 7-day injured list with shoulder inflammation on June 15, 2019.
Detroit Tigers Debut (2020–2021)
On August 19, 2020, the Tigers promoted Mize to the major leagues, and he made his MLB debut that evening against the Chicago White Sox. He threw 73 pitches over 4⅓ innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out seven and walking none in a no-decision. Later that September, he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against Chicago before a double by Yolmer Sánchez ended the bid. Mize finished his rookie season 0–3 with a 6.99 ERA in seven appearances.
In 2021, manager A. J. Hinch named Mize to the Tigers’ opening rotation. On April 12, he earned his first major league win, throwing seven scoreless innings in a 6–2 victory over the Houston Astros. Mize made 30 starts that season, finishing 7–9 with a 3.71 ERA, 118 strikeouts, and a 1.137 WHIP across 150⅓ innings.
Injury Years and Comeback (2022–2024)
Mize began the 2022 season as the Tigers’ No. 2 starter but was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow sprain on April 15. On June 10, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list, and it was revealed that he needed Tommy John surgery, ending his 2022 campaign. Mize did not pitch in a professional game in 2023 while continuing his recovery.
Entering 2024, Mize secured a spot on Detroit’s Opening Day roster, beating out Matt Manning for the No. 5 starter role. He made 16 starts before a left hamstring strain placed him on the 15-day injured list on July 3. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 29 before being activated on August 30. Mize finished the year 2–6 with a 4.49 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 102⅓ innings.
2025 All-Star Season
In November 2024, the Tigers declined Mize’s $3.1 million option for 2025, making him arbitration eligible. On January 9, 2025, he agreed to a one-year, $2.34 million contract to avoid arbitration and made the rotation as the No. 5 starter. After a brief hamstring injury in May, Mize returned and built momentum throughout the summer. On July 11, he was added to the 2025 All-Star Game roster as a replacement for Garrett Crochet, becoming a first-time All-Star with a 9–2 record and a 2.63 ERA at the time of selection. He finished the 2025 season 14–6 with a 3.87 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 149 innings.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mize relies on a four-seam fastball that averages 93–96 MPH and tops out near 98 MPH, paired with a sinking two-seam fastball at 92–95 MPH. His primary offspeed offering is a splitter in the 84–88 MPH range, which he has elevated in 2025, frequently throwing it at 90 MPH or higher. He also mixes in an occasional slider around 86 MPH and a curveball around 84 MPH, giving him a complete four-pitch arsenal that plays effectively against both right- and left-handed hitters.
Notable Events and Milestones
Mize’s career has been marked by standout no-hit bids at every level, including a collegiate no-hitter against Northeastern in 2018 and a professional no-hitter for Erie in 2019. His first major league win came on April 12, 2021, with seven scoreless innings against Houston. The selection to the 2025 All-Star Game stands as his most significant individual honor to date.
Casey Mize Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Casey Mize and his wife, Tali, were married in 2019. The couple resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Public details about his extended family and upbringing remain limited, with most available information focused on his Springville, Alabama roots and his development as a young pitcher.
2025 Season Performance
Casey Mize’s 2025 campaign represented the culmination of a long recovery from Tommy John surgery. After agreeing to a one-year, $2.34 million contract in January, he secured the No. 5 spot in Detroit’s rotation and quickly delivered results. A brief left hamstring strain in May cost him roughly two weeks, but his activation on May 24 produced an immediate return to form against the Cleveland Guardians.
By midsummer, Mize had emerged as one of the American League’s most reliable starters. His selection to the All-Star Game on July 11 as a replacement validated a first half defined by pinpoint command and improved velocity on his splitter. He finished the season 14–6 with a 3.87 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 149 innings, anchoring a young Tigers rotation.