ERIC ARNETT

VITALS

Junior, Pataskala, Ohio
6 feet 5, 225 pounds
Right-handed pitcher
No. 26 overall pick, selected by the Milwaukee Brewers

THE SKINNY

Arnett’s draft stock soared after a junior season that saw him notch a 12-2 record with a 2.50 ERA. His long 6-5 frame and athleticism tantalized scouts, vaulting him into the first round.

The big right-hander – who spent part of the winter working out with the IU basketball team – was always projected to be the first Hoosier off the board. But his No. 26 draft position was a bit of a slip from some mock drafts, which had him as high as No. 15.

Still, Arnett didn’t make it out of the first round, becoming the first Hoosier tabbed in the draft’s opening frame since Jim DeNeff in 1966.  

OF INTEREST

Arnett’s fastball-breaking ball combo and junior-year breakout clearly grabbed
major league attention, but his athleticism could not be understated as a major factor as well.

In addition to his time on the basketball team, Arnett was an all-state football player at Watkins Memorial High School in Pataskala, where he set records for receptions,
receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He was the Licking County Male Athlete of the Year his senior year as well.  

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“I feel with the selection of Eric Arnett, we took the best player available,” Milwaukee scouting director Bruce Seid said in a press release. “He is someone that will be a great fit in our organization and will make us a better as a whole.”