OREM, Utah – Former Utah Valley pitcher Mitch Mueller has signed a professional contract with the Minnesota Twins. He will report to their spring training complex this week in Fort Myers, Fla. The right-handed pitcher finished his UVU career in 2024 and signed with the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association.
 
"Mitch has always been a tireless worker. This is just another step in, hopefully, a long career for him. He's earned this," said UVU head coach Nate Rasmussen.
 
Mueller came to Utah Valley after stops at Winona State and Parkland Junior College and made an immediate impact on the UVU pitching staff. Over his two seasons, he made 32 appearances and 14 career starts to log 105 2/3 innings while striking out 123 hitters.
 
In his first season in Orem, he saw time both in the starting rotation and the bullpen, with his best start coming against UC Riverside, where he went six innings and struck out nine Highlanders. He later added solid outings from the bullpen, where he struck out six UTRGV hitters and added five K's in his outings against Stephen F. Austin and New Mexico State.
 
His 2023 performance earned him a spot in the Cape Cod League, where he pitched for the Wareham Gatemen. In 2024, he finished 6-1 with a 4.04 ERA while leading UVU in ERA and wins. He is currently the Wolverines' all-time leader in strikeouts per nine at 10.48. Mueller pitched a career-high seven innings against Utah Tech in the Old Hammer Rivalry, only allowing four hits and adding four strikeouts. His season-high eight strikeouts were crucial in Utah Valley winning a series against California Baptist in Riverside.
 
After signing with Lake Country, he finished 2024 with a 2-0 record with a 3.68 ERA while striking out 32 hitters in 22 innings pitched.
 
The Minnesota Twins have four minor league affiliates, including the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Single-A), Cedar Rapids Kernels (High-A), Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A), and St. Paul Saints (Triple-A).
 
Utah Valley now has three in affiliated baseball with Paxton Schultz (Toronto) and Casey Anderson (Arizona).