LEWISTON, Me. - A slider for a go-to pitch along with an improving fastball have colleges intrigued with Josh Murphy.

Two offers are already on the table for the fourth-rated 2023 left-handed pitcher in New England, who is now working on a changeup to add to his repertoire.

“He has a chance to be super as he flashes a college slider that is plus right now,” said Dennis Healy, PBR New England Director of Scouting, after the Ma/NH Prospect Games last August.

“He’s a quick-armed left-handed pitcher who should make another velocity jump,” Healy added this week.

UMass-Lowell and Bryant have offered while the Lewiston High School southpaw has also had talks with Central Connecticut State, Maine and UMass-Amherst.

“I got my connection to UMass-Lowell at a PBR event in November at Xaverian (Brothers) High School,” Murphy  noted. “I pitched there and had some of my best stuff that day. I got a text from (head) coach (Ken) Harring as I was leaving.”

But the 5-11 192-pounder is in no rush to make a decision.

“I’m not looking to commit too soon,” Murphy related. “I’m not ready yet. I have two tournaments coming up and I think I have a lot more to show.”

After all, the choice to reclassify in the middle of this past summer has given the 38th-ranked junior in New England extended time with the process.

“I was really young for my grade, my birthday is in August, so I should have been held back,” the 17-year-old explained. “I just thought some more time wouldn’t hurt with what I want to do and give me an extra year to train.”

Those that have shown an interest like what they have seen in Murphy, who for the past four years has worked remotely with Tread Athletics in Charlotte, N.C.

“From every coach that I’ve talked to, most communicate that they like my mound presence, my passion and my baseball IQ,” Murphy said. “They like the heart on the mound and the drive. Pitch sequence, how I control the game and my offspeed are also mentioned.

“My slider is in the 2800 (spin) range so that’s a huge plus. It’s my go-to pitch. My fastball is up there, too, so it’s a good one-two combination. Now I’m working on a changeup. A lot of coaches want to see how it develops.”

Murphy already is seeing improvement in his change.

“I throw five or six times a week and on medium-intensity days 80 to 90 percent are changeups,” Murphy pointed out. “I’ve gotten it significantly better along with my explosiveness and strength.”

It has Murphy on path toward reaching those aspirations to play at the next level.

“It’s been a dream to play college baseball, it doesn’t matter D-I, D-II or D-III,” Murphy said. “Once freshman year came around I knew I kind of excelled and could make it to the next level. If I kept working, I could make it to the D-I level.”

The third-rated 2023 from Maine has found the recruiting process enjoyable.

“It’s been a good experience,” Murphy noted. “I’ve toured Bryant and UMass so far and like everything about them. Every coach has been great. I’m just hoping to find a place where they want me.

“One surprising thing has been how much competition there is out there at that level as far as the financial benefits.”

A 3.5 student considering business or exercise science as a major, Murphy is excited about what he can provide a future college.

“I can promise I’ll be an extremely hard worker that’s dedicated and passionate,” Murphy said. “I’ll work hard no matter what and I’m very coachable. If you have a job I need to do I’ll get it done. I’ll do whatever role I need to do.”

Murphy has an idea of what he wants in a college.

“Location doesn’t matter to me, what I’m looking for is a good coaching staff with like-minded players as me that want to work hard and win,” Murphy noted. “They need the facilities to get better. If it’s a cold place, do they have indoor facilities? Most important, though, are players and coaches that are like-minded.”

Murphy anticipates a big spring ahead

“I’ve put in a lot of work and gotten bigger, faster, stronger,” Murphy concluded. “I’m expecting to see good things. I’m not going to make any decision before the high school season. I’ve talked to players in D-I, coaches and ex-pros, and the most common answer is to wait until you see if you have any interest in your dream schools. I’ll likely decide in mid-summer, I don’t want to wait much past that.”