Trystan Vrieling, the former basketball player and current ace pitcher for the Yankees’ Double-A Somerset Patriots, has overcome physical challenges and made significant progress in his baseball career. Drafted as a 6-foot-4, 195-pound basketball player, Vrieling’s physical transformation began with an intense eating program at the Yankees’ player development complex in Tampa. Through a daily regimen of six eggs, shakes, and protein-rich meals, he gained significant weight, now weighing between 215 and 220 pounds.
Vrieling has also made mental adjustments, shifting to classical music before starts to calm his nerves. The blend of Beethoven, Mozart, and Star Wars soundtracks has helped him enter games with a relaxed and focused mindset.
Despite missing the 2023 minor-league season due to a stress fracture in his elbow, Vrieling has made a strong return this year. In his first start as a Yankees farmhand, he pitched five shutout innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. In his following start, he had another impressive outing, pitching six innings, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out six.
Vrieling’s most recent outing was a near no-hitter, as he retired 23 batters before being pulled from the game with two outs in the eighth inning. His dominant performance earned him Eastern League pitcher of the week honors.
As a young player within the Yankees’ organization, Vrieling’s maturity and ability to digest information have impressed his coaches. With a pitch mix that includes a fastball, slider, curve, and changeup, he has kept batters off balance and shown glimpses of his potential. While he acknowledges areas for improvement, such as developing a consistent put-out pitch, Vrieling is confident in his progress and excited for the challenges ahead.
