Scotts Valley flamethrower Kaleb Wing, named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League’s 2025 Pitcher of the Year less than a year after taking up the position full time, was a magnet for professional baseball scouts in the spring.

On Monday morning, the second day of the 2025 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Wing found out which team he impressed most. The Chicago Cub selected him in the fourth round, 121st overall.

Wing was watching the draft on TV with his parents Ryan and Kandyce, grandparents Harry and Kathy, and personal trainer Matt Rossignol in his family’s Scotts Valley home when his name was called.

“I was all in,” said Wing, of receiving a call from the Cubs ahead of his name being announced. “Getting your name called on TV is a childhood dream and something I’ll never forget. I’m super pumped.”

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound right-hander was impressive on the mound at the 2024 Area Code Games, his senior season of high school, and, again, at the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix in mid-June. He also showcased his arm for a couple of starts with the Corvallis Knights against college hitters in the West Coast League.

The Cubs were there the whole way.Wing, armed with a fastball in the mid-90s, a curve, slider and changeup, said he’ll forgo his scholarship to NCAA Division I Loyola Marymount University to begin his professional career. He’ll report to rookie ball in Mesa, Arizona, next week.

“I’ve been dreaming about this opportunity a long time,” said Wing, of his decision.

A former shortstop, Wing started pitching, in earnest, about 11 months ago. His impressive fastball velocity, given his youth, fresh and live arm, and lack of pitching experience, helped him gain massive exposure at the Area Code Games and pave the road for his draft selection.

“I stayed true to my hard work and going in every day with a plan,” he said. “I had a goal in mind and stayed true to it.”

Wing was projected to go with pick No. 87 by MLB.com. He’ll still earn a solid payday for signing a minor league contract. The approximate pick value for going 121st is $623,300.

He has a top-notch agent, Mark Pieper, the CEO of Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE) in Chicago, working in his corner. ISE has negotiated contracts for eight Hall of Fame pitchers and currently counts Paul Skenes as a client. Pieper also represented Wing’s father, a second-round draft pick in 2001 who pitched in the minor leagues for seven seasons.

Wing thanked his family, trainer, and agent for their continued support. “I’m fortunate to have them by my side,” he said.

Wing was named the SCCAL Pitcher of the Year after helping the Falcons (12-16, 8-7) finish in third place and advance to the Central Coast Section playoffs. Wing (3-3), working on a pitch count, posted a 1.23 ERA over 45 2/3 innings on the season. He gave up 23 hits, 15 walks, and eight earned runs while striking out 79 batters.

He is the second Scotts Valley alum in as many years to get drafted. Santa Clara University third baseman Robert Hipwell was chosen by the San Francisco Giants in the sixth round of the 2024 draft.

UC Santa Barbara junior right-handed pitcher Reed Moring, an Aptos alum and the SCCAL Pitcher of the Year in 2021 and ’22, was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round, with the 449th overall pick.

Moring made seven appearances for the Gauchos in 2025, five of them starts, His season interrupted by an injury. He struck out 21 hitters in 17 2/3 innings and finished with a 2.55 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and .164 batting average against.