Parker Messick Bio
Parker Chase Messick is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Florida State Seminoles, where he gained recognition for his impressive skills both as a pitcher and a hitter. Born on October 26, 2000, in Plant City, Florida, Messick has quickly made a name for himself in the world of baseball since beginning his professional career in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Parker Messick grew up in Plant City, Florida, where he attended Plant City High School. During his junior year, he won the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award after achieving a batting average of .298 with four home runs as a first baseman, while also excelling as a pitcher with a 6–3 record and a 1.58 earned run average (ERA) alongside 45 strikeouts. His senior year was particularly notable, as he struck out a state-leading 125 batters, finishing with an 11–1 record and a remarkable 1.06 ERA over 86 innings. This performance earned him the title of Florida Mr. Baseball, solidifying his status as a top prospect in the state.
Path to Baseball
After high school, Parker Messick continued his baseball journey at Florida State University, where he played for the Florida State Seminoles. In his true freshman season, he made a significant impact by going 1–1 with one save and a 0.77 ERA, striking out 19 batters in just over 11 innings before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Following this, he played summer baseball for the Winter Garden Squeeze in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, where he won the league’s Cy Young Award with an impressive 0.49 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 18+2⁄3 innings pitched. His redshirt freshman year saw him post an 8–2 record with 126 strikeouts and a 3.10 ERA, earning him several accolades, including the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Year and the ACC Baseball Pitcher of the Year.
Parker Messick Career
Early Career (2023)
Parker Messick was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the second round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, being the 54th overall pick. He signed with the Guardians on July 30, 2022, receiving a signing bonus of $1.3 million. Messick made his professional debut in 2023, splitting the season between the Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats and High-A Lake County Captains. In 26 appearances, including 24 starts, he recorded a cumulative 5-6 record with a 3.77 ERA and tallied 136 strikeouts across 121+2⁄3 innings pitched.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Messick continued to impress, making 27 appearances with 26 starts between Lake County and the Double-A Akron RubberDucks. He accumulated a 9-6 record and a 2.83 ERA, striking out 165 batters and earning one save across 133+2⁄3 innings pitched. His performance solidified his reputation as a rising star within the Guardians organization.
Notable Works and Milestones
Parker Messick’s signature work includes his impressive collegiate career at Florida State, where he was recognized as a top pitcher and hitter. His transition to professional baseball has been marked by significant milestones, including his promotion to the major leagues in 2025 after being selected to the 40-man roster. In his second start on August 26, 2025, he recorded his first career win against the Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing his potential as a valuable player for the Cleveland Guardians.
Parker Messick Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Parker Messick has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his time at Florida State, where he was recognized for his outstanding performance on the field.
Parker Messick Awards Won
Parker Messick has achieved notable recognition, including the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award in high school and multiple accolades during his collegiate career, such as the ACC Freshman of the Year and the ACC Pitcher of the Year. His accomplishments highlight his talent and dedication to the sport.