40 Facts About Joe Musgrove

Early Life and High School Achievements

Joe Musgrove's journey to MLB stardom began in his hometown of El Cajon, California. His early years were filled with baseball, setting the stage for a promising career.

1. Musgrove started playing baseball tournaments at age seven.
2. He attended Grossmont High School, where he excelled as a two-way player.
3. During his junior season, he played alongside future Pittsburgh Pirates teammate Steven Brault.
4. In 2010, he had an 11–1 win–loss record as a pitcher.
5. He also boasted a 2.07 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 77+2⁄3 innings pitched.
6. As a batter, he had a .430 average, nine home runs, and 35 RBIs.

College Commitment and MLB Draft

Musgrove's talent caught the attention of scouts, leading to significant decisions about his future.

7. He committed to play college baseball for San Diego State.
8. However, he chose to forgo college to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.
9. The Blue Jays selected him in the first round, 46th overall, of the 2011 MLB Draft.

Minor League Journey

Musgrove's path through the minor leagues was marked by both progress and setbacks.

10. He played eight games with the Rookie Gulf Coast League Blue Jays.
11. Later, he moved to the Bluefield Blue Jays in late August 2011.
12. In nine games and 24+2⁄3 innings, he posted a 1–1 record with a 4.01 ERA.
13. Injuries kept him in the Rookie Leagues until 2014.
14. He missed two months in 2012 due to a strained rotator cuff.
15. Most of the 2013 season was spent sidelined with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament.
16. In 2014, he was assigned to the Low-A Tri-City ValleyCats.
17. Despite injuries, he posted a 7–1 record with a 2.81 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 77 innings.

Trade to Houston Astros

A pivotal moment in Musgrove's career came with a trade to the Houston Astros.

18. Partway through the 2012 season, he was traded to the Astros in a ten-player swap.
19. This trade marked a significant turning point in his career.
20. He began to rise through the Astros' farm system in 2015.
21. Musgrove made his major league debut on August 2, 2016, at age 23.

Major League Debut and Astros Career

Musgrove's debut with the Astros showcased his potential on the big stage.

22. In his debut, he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits.
23. He earned his first win in his second start.
24. During his time with the Astros, he pitched in 11 games, starting 10 of them.
25. He went 4-4 with a 4.06 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.

Trade to Pittsburgh Pirates

After his stint with the Astros, Musgrove found a new home with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

26. After the 2017 season, he was traded to the Pirates.
27. In his first season with the Pirates, he pitched in 30 games, starting 29 of them.
28. He went 8-12 with a 4.63 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 154 innings pitched.
29. The following year, he improved to a 12-5 record with a 3.18 ERA and 157 strikeouts in 170 innings.

Joining the San Diego Padres

Musgrove's career took another turn when he joined the San Diego Padres.

30. In December 2019, he was traded to the Padres.
31. Since joining the Padres, he has become a key member of the team's starting rotation.
32. In 2020, he went 4-2 with a 3.89 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched.
33. In 2021, he led the Padres' starting rotation in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
34. He posted an 11-9 record with a 3.18 ERA and 203 strikeouts in 181+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Musgrove's career is filled with notable achievements and milestones.

35. On August 1, 2022, the Padres signed him to a five-year contract extension worth $100 million.
36. On December 5, 2022, he became a world record holder after throwing an 86-mph fastball in Antarctica.
37. He carries a career ERA of 3.72, with a WHIP of 1.17 and a K/9 rate of 8.9.
38. Opponents hit below .230 against five of his six pitch offerings.
39. Despite a shoulder injury in late July 2023, he remains one of the most reliable starting pitchers.
40. He has been selected to the National League All-Star team twice, in 2021 and 2022.

Joe Musgrove: A True Baseball Standout

Joe Musgrove's journey from a high school star to a key player for the San Diego Padres is nothing short of inspiring. His early success at Grossmont High School, combined with his resilience through injuries, showcases his dedication to the sport. Musgrove's ability to adapt his pitching style and overcome setbacks has made him a reliable force on the mound. Not only has he achieved significant milestones, like setting a world record in Antarctica, but he's also become a fan favorite known as "Moose." His community involvement and support for the Challenged Athletes Foundation highlight his character off the field. As Musgrove continues to excel, his legacy as a resilient and adaptable pitcher will undoubtedly inspire future generations. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of perseverance.