Nicholas Edward Burdi Bio
Nicholas Edward Burdi is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing in the New York Mets organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. Burdi played college baseball for the Louisville Cardinals at the University of Louisville, where he established himself as a talented pitcher with a powerful fastball.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Edward Burdi was born on January 19, 1993. He attended Downers Grove South High School in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he showcased his athletic abilities as both a pitcher on the baseball team and a quarterback on the football team. However, he chose to focus solely on baseball before his junior year. During his high school years, Burdi demonstrated impressive skills, throwing his fastball at speeds reaching 95 miles per hour. His performance caught the attention of scouts, and he participated in the Area Code Games in the summer of 2010, further solidifying his status as a promising young talent.
Path to Baseball
After high school, Burdi was selected in the 24th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins but opted to attend college instead. He enrolled at the University of Louisville, where he played for the Louisville Cardinals baseball team. Burdi quickly made a name for himself as a closer, achieving an impressive 0.78 earned run average (ERA) and 61 strikeouts in 34+2⁄3 innings pitched during his sophomore year. His performance earned him a spot on the United States national collegiate baseball team. In his junior year, Burdi further improved, posting a remarkable 0.49 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 37 innings.
Nicholas Edward Burdi Career
Early Career (2014-2017)
Burdi was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft, with the 46th overall pick. He signed with the Twins on June 25, receiving a signing bonus of $1,218,800. He began his professional career with the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the Single-A Midwest League, where he posted a 4.15 ERA in 13 innings. Burdi’s journey through the minor leagues included stints with the Fort Myers Miracle and the Chattanooga Lookouts. However, his career was interrupted by injuries, including a bone bruise in his right elbow and later, Tommy John surgery in 2017.
Breakthrough (2018-2020)
Burdi made his MLB debut on September 11, 2018, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he pitched 0+1⁄3 of an inning against the St. Louis Cardinals. He faced challenges during his rookie season, making only two appearances and struggling with injuries. In 2019, he made the Pirates’ Opening Day roster but had a rough start, posting a 9.35 ERA in 11 appearances before undergoing thoracic outlet surgery. After a lengthy recovery, Burdi continued to face setbacks, including a second Tommy John surgery in 2020, which sidelined him for the entire 2021 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Despite the challenges, Burdi’s resilience led him to make a comeback. He signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2020, but did not play in 2021 due to recovery from surgery. He later joined the Chicago Cubs, where he made 11 appearances in 2023, showcasing his potential with a 3.38 ERA. Burdi’s journey continued as he signed with the New York Yankees in December 2023, earning a spot in the bullpen before facing another injury setback.
Nicholas Edward Burdi Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nicholas Edward Burdi has not received any notable award nominations.
Nicholas Edward Burdi Awards Won
Nicholas Edward Burdi has not won any major awards during his career.
Nicholas Edward Burdi Family
Nicholas Burdi comes from an athletic family. His older brother, Drew, was an All-State quarterback who played football for Downers Grove South and Western Michigan. Additionally, his younger brother, Zack, is also a professional baseball pitcher, indicating a strong sporting lineage.
Personal Life
Details about Nicholas Burdi’s personal life are limited, but his commitment to baseball has been a significant focus throughout his life. His family background in sports has undoubtedly influenced his career choices and dedication to the game.