Prep Baseball Report

Mikin Looking To Make The Best Out Of Any Opportunity


Bruce Hefflinger
Ohio Senior Writer

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Mikin Looking To Make The Best Out Of Any Opportunity

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Owen Mikin C / RHP / Saint Ignatius, OH / 2026

HINCKLEY - Owen Mikin knows what he is looking for in a college.

“I want to go somewhere that I can develop and grow as a better person and as a better player,” the Saint Ignatius junior said. “I want to get into academics and pursue what to do in life if baseball doesn’t work out.”

But for now baseball is a big part of his future, with the recruiting process just beginning for the 37th-rated uncommitted 2026 in Ohio.

“With the new rule changes it’s been slow for everyone,” Mikin assessed about recruitment. “I’ve been talking with a few Big 10, Big 12 and MAC schools along with Atlantic Sun, and I’ve also talked with Indiana State from the Missouri Valley. The furthest school is James Madison in Virginia, the rest is within a six-hour radius.

“Preferably, I’d like to play down south and be in the sun. But honestly, if an opportunity comes my way I’ll make the best and let it play out.”

Mikin pointed to a Prep Baseball event as the biggest help in his recruiting process.

“The Future Games was huge for me with 425 schools there,” the 17-year-old explained. “It was great to see packed stands and play to the best of my abilities to show what I’ve got. A lot of colleges that have reached out said they saw me there. The showcase and game portions helped a ton.”

To date, the lone visit has been to Purdue, one of a handful of schools to call on Aug. 1 when college coaches were first permitted to make contact with players in the 2026 class.

“I expected a little more, but I’m not in tune with the new rules,” Mikin admitted. “Still, I’m pleased with what I have now and with who reached out.”

With smaller baseball roster sizes in college, the possibilities of being a two-way player can prove to be beneficial.

“I’m being recruited mainly as a pitcher with my body and size and projectability on the mound,” the 6-1 212-pounder related. “But doing two-way with the new rules, maybe that could happen with colleges. Two-way guys are now more highly-valued.”

Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, is of the opinion Mikin could be valuable beyond just pitching. 

“Owen is a two-way talent with some major upside, depending on which route he takes,” Weldon said. “As a position player there’s a lot to like about the raw metrics, tooled-up athlete who has consistently shown well at Prep Baseball events. On the mound there’s a lot to like. He features a high-octane fastball that jumps on hitters. He has a clean and athletic delivery with feel for control around the zone.” 

The fifth-rated junior catcher in the state knows being on the mound is what he hopes is in his future.

“Pitching is definitely what I’d like to do more,” Mikin explained. “Having full control of the game and competing on every pitch, being a competitive guy, that’s what I want to do.”

That part of his makeup is a strong point in his game according to Mikin.

“My overall mindset toward things is one of the better attributes I have,” Mikin said. “That, along with my work ethic and bulldog mentality to do anything to get to the top. Being coachable and a good teammate are also traits I can bring.”

Improvement on the mound is something the 57th-ranked 2026 in Ohio believes coaches will see out of him.

“Last year I put on 20 pounds and lost a lot of mobility,” Mikin reflected. “This offseason has been huge. I’ve focused on mobility and proper mechanics. 

“It’s about getting better day by day and improving my craft. Hopefully, I’m going to see strides I've made since last year and coaches will see that and know it’s a tell-tale sign I’m a hard worker.”

As for a timeframe on making a college choice, Mikin, who will catch and play third base on his high school team this season in addition to pitch, sees no hurry in deciding.

“I don’t want to rush it,” Mikin concluded. “I’m going to let it play out and see what happens from there.”

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