Xavier Rivas is one of Somerset’s standout pitchers right now. Standing at 6-foot-4, 24-year-old lefty Xavier Rivas is making his mark on the mound. Although it’s only his second year in the minors, he has already established himself as one of Somerset’s most dependable pitchers. Rivas has already become a key prospect as the Yankees look to promote talent from Somerset.
In 2024, Rivas was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 16th round and was the 481st pick. Before the draft, he spent two years with the University of Indianapolis and one year with the Ole Miss Rebels. Throughout his collegiate career, he had an Earned-Run-Average (ERA) of 4.20 and a 1.284 Walks/Hits Per Inning Pitched (WHIP) across 173.2 innings.
After missing his senior season with the Rebels due to Tommy John surgery, he made his way back to the mound in 2025, where he made his minor league debut with the Hudson Valley Renegades. Not only that, but he also spent time with the Tampa Tarpons in the Florida State League. Following that season, Rivas made his way to the big leagues, pitching four games with the New York Yankees. Despite his brief stint in the majors, he is now in Somerset, looking to find his way back to the Bronx. Across his minor league career, he has posted a 3.73 ERA, a 1.163 WHIP, and 207 strikeouts.
Rivas has proven himself to be consistent throughout the season, but a standout moment for him was yesterday in their matchup against the Reading Fightin Phils. Rivas pitched six hitless innings and struck out 10. Not long ago, on June 17, Rivas put up similar stats with nearly six hitless innings against the Portland Sea Dogs, earning him the recognition of Eastern League Pitcher of the Week.
This year, Rivas has racked up quite a few impressive stats. Despite hitting a rough patch earlier in the season, he has come back stronger than ever. Across 64 innings, he has a 4.20 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a .181 Batting-Average-Against (BAA). Not only that, but Rivas currently leads the team in strikeouts, with a whopping 94 this season.
Just two years after being selected in the MLB Draft, Rivas has already made a name for himself. Currently one of Somerset’s most reliable pitchers, he has taken advantage of every opportunity to prove himself on the mound. With every strikeout and hitless inning, he is working to build momentum and hopefully soon help the Patriots to a playoff run.
After the team takes a short four-day break, make sure to watch Rivas Friday night as he and the Patriots begin their series against the Portland Sea Dogs at 6:20 p.m. ET!
