Recently, World Baseball Network conducted a phone interview with Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitching prospect Jacob Steinmetz on February 13. The interview was arranged by WBN media advisor Lou Bernardi, a former independent professional pitcher, current pitching coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and a member of the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.
Steinmetz, 21, was born in Queens, N.Y., and in 2021 became the first practicing Orthodox Jewish player selected in the Major League Baseball Draft, going in the third round to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Steinmetz signed with the Diamondbacks for $500,000, below his draft slot value, and forewent his commitment to Fordham University in July 2021.
In his first professional season in 2021, Steinmetz made one start in the Arizona Complex League, going 0-1. He threw 1 ⅓ innings, allowing one hit, one earned run, and four walks, finishing with a 6.75 ERA.
During the 2022 season, MLB Pipeline ranked Steinmetz No. 25 in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Top 30 prospects.
In 2022, Steinmetz went 0-7 in the ACL with a 7.88 ERA across 11 appearances. He pitched 24 innings, allowing 28 hits, 21 earned runs, one home run, 20 walks, and seven strikeouts.
Steinmetz represented Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, competing in Pool D at loanDepot Park in Miami against Nicaragua, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Israel finished 1-4 but secured automatic qualification for the 2026 WBC with a win over Nicaragua.
In his lone start at the 2023 WBC, Steinmetz went 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA. He pitched 1 ⅔ innings, allowing two hits, one earned run, two walks, and three strikeouts before returning to Arizona.
In 2023, Steinmetz pitched for Low-A Visalia, making 16 starts in 19 appearances. He finished with a 1-10 record and a 6.19 ERA over 72.2 innings, allowing 77 hits, 50 earned runs, eight home runs, 44 walks, and 66 strikeouts.
In 2024, Steinmetz split the season between Low-A Visalia and High-A Hillsboro. He went 3-7 with a 4.01 ERA in 23 starts, throwing 107.2 innings, allowing 116 hits, 48 earned runs, six home runs, 42 walks, 113 strikeouts, and a 1.467 WHIP.
Steinmetz will be evaluated during minor league camp this spring, as he is not on the Diamondbacks’ 40-man roster. After spending the last three seasons at the Low-A and High-A levels, he could earn a promotion to Double-A in 2025.
According to FanGraphs, Steinmetz’s fastball is graded at 40/45, his slider at 45/50, his curveball at 55/60, his changeup at 30/40, and his command at 30/50. In 2024, he recorded 9.45 strikeouts per nine innings, 3.51 walks per nine innings, and a 2.69 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His strikeout rate was 23.8 percent, and his walk rate was 8.9 percent.
Q&A with Arizona Diamondbacks Prospect Jacob Steinmetz – Interviewed by WBN’s Matt Tallarini and Arranged by WBN Media Advisor Lou Bernardi
WBN – How does it feel to be back in Spring Training, and what are some things you’re looking forward to?
Steinmetz – I’m going into my fourth spring training on the minor league side of camp and while being in a major league camp would be a lot cooler, you have to control what you can control. It’s always great to come back and see my teammates and get to work as we start another baseball season.
WBN – Being the first practicing Orthodox Jewish professional baseball player, how has the Diamondbacks organization accommodated you?
Steinmetz – The entire Diamondbacks organization has been fully accommodating with me since I signed with the team. My main restrictions come on Saturdays on our Sabbath when I can’t use the phone or get in a car or bus to the game. Typically I stay at a closer hotel and walk to the field on Saturdays. Sometimes it’s even a separate hotel and the Organization has always assisted throughout the season.
Another restriction I have is when it comes to meals. Whether while I’m in Spring Training in Arizona or throughout the season I have to maintain a Kosher diet. The Diamondbacks organization has been amazing with ordering me food for the entire season from Kosher restaurants.
They have made it really easy where I don’t have to really worry about anything.
WBN – What was it like playing with team Israel in 2023 during the World Baseball Classic?
Steinmetz – Being able to represent Israel on the world stage was an amazing experience while competing against some of the greatest players in the game was something I’ll never forget. While we didn’t reach our goal in 2023, we were able to secure a spot in 2026 and hopefully with a slightly older team with more experience we “can make some noise” in the next World Baseball classic.
WBN – Can you tell us about some of your teammates and the culture of the team.
Steinmetz – We all come from different backgrounds and are at different points of our lives and careers, but the one similarity is that we are all Jewish. We had great chemistry and hopefully it carries over to 2026.
WBN – What are your goals and some things you want to work on and improve in the 2025 season.
Steinmetz – I definitely want to improve upon my consistency with my overall command and limit my walks. I just need to get better every time I take the mound, compete and give my team a chance to win the game.
Steinmetz expressed gratitude for the role his parents played in his upbringing, crediting them for their unwavering support. As a child, he was fortunate to be surrounded by coaches who prioritized his development and always had his best interests in mind.
Now, as both a professional baseball player and an Orthodox Jewish athlete, he takes great pride in serving as a role model. He values the interactions he has at his synagogue, where he hopes to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams while staying true to their faith.
While his professional baseball career is still in its early stages, Steinmetz has already made a lasting impact on the next generation of Orthodox Jewish players. His journey continues to inspire, and WBN will follow his path as he strives to reach the Major Leagues and compete on the international stage.
