Justin Michael Hagenman Bio
Justin Michael Hagenman (born October 7, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He debuted in the majors in 2025 after spending several seasons developing through the minor leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox organizations. The right-handed pitcher wears number 47 for the Mets and has established himself as a versatile arm capable of both starting and relieving duties.
Early Life and Background
Justin Michael Hagenman was born in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, in October 1996. He grew up in the Philadelphia area and developed his passion for baseball at a young age. His high school career took place at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken Township, where he established himself as a standout prep player.
Following his high school graduation, Hagenman continued his baseball journey at Pennsylvania State University. He played for the Penn State Nittany Lions baseball team, where he made an immediate impact. In 2016, he earned recognition as one of three freshmen named to the Big Ten Conference’s All-Freshman Team, demonstrating his ability to compete at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Baseball
During his collegiate career at Penn State, Hagenman served as a starting pitcher for the Nittany Lions. He started 14 games in each of his three seasons with the program, showcasing consistency and durability as a key component of his pitching repertoire. His performance in November 2015 included earning the win for Penn State in a game against Mayabeque during a friendly tournament held in Cuba.
In the summer of 2017, Hagenman continued his development by playing collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, a prestigious league known for developing future professional players. His strong collegiate career and summer league experience positioned him well for the professional ranks.
Justin Michael Hagenman Career
Los Angeles Dodgers (2018–2023)
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Hagenman in the 23rd round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft, choosing him with the 704th overall selection. He began his professional career that same year, splitting his first season between the rookie-level Ogden Raptors and the Single-A Great Lakes Loons.
Hagenman returned to Great Lakes in 2019 and posted impressive numbers, compiling a 6-2 win-loss record with a 2.24 earned run average (ERA). He recorded 64 strikeouts and recorded six saves across 33 appearances. The 2020 season was lost due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing him from playing in any official games.
Upon returning in 2021, Hagenman joined the Double-A Tulsa Drillers and continued his solid performance. In 38 appearances for Tulsa, he recorded a 7-4 record with a 3.45 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and six saves across 62 and two-thirds innings pitched. The 2022 campaign saw him split time between Tulsa and the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. Combined, he appeared in 46 games for both affiliates, posting a 5-3 record with a 5.57 ERA and 65 strikeouts over 63 innings.
He began the 2023 season with Oklahoma City and enjoyed his most dominant stretch as a minor leaguer. In 25 games for Oklahoma City, he registered a 4-0 record with a 2.78 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched, earning recognition as a potential big league contributor.
Boston Red Sox (2023–2024)
On July 25, 2023, the Dodgers traded Hagenman along with Nick Robertson to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Enrique Hernández. The Red Sox assigned him to the Worcester Red Sox of the Triple-A International League, where he continued his strong form by posting a 3.26 ERA with 28 strikeouts across 16 games to close the 2023 season.
During the 2024 season, the Red Sox made a strategic adjustment to Hagenman’s role, transitioning him from a relief pitcher to a starting pitcher. In 28 appearances including 15 starts for Worcester, he compiled a 4-6 record with a 4.91 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 91 and two-thirds innings pitched. Following the season, Hagenman elected free agency on November 4, 2024.
New York Mets (2024–Present)
On November 18, 2024, Hagenman signed a one-year, major league contract with the New York Mets. He joined an organization seeking to strengthen its pitching depth and provide options for their rotation and bullpen.
The Mets optioned Hagenman to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets to begin the 2025 season, allowing him to continue his development while awaiting his major league opportunity. On April 16, 2025, the organization promoted him to the major leagues for the first time in his career. He entered a game against the Minnesota Twins in the bottom of the second inning and pitched three and one-third innings in a 4-3 extra inning loss. He surrendered three hits and one run while recording four strikeouts. Notably, he became the last Mets pitcher to strike out four batters in the first two innings of his MLB debut since Zack Wheeler accomplished the feat in 2013.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hagenman has developed a versatile pitching style that allows him to contribute in multiple roles. His ability to work as both a starter and reliever provides valuable flexibility for any organization. Throughout his minor league career, he demonstrated strong strikeout ability and the capacity to record saves in late-inning situations. His transition to starting with the Red Sox in 2024 showed his adaptability and willingness to adjust his approach for team needs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several significant moments define Hagenman’s early major league career. His MLB debut against the Minnesota Twins on April 16, 2025, marked the culmination of seven seasons working through the minor leagues. Another milestone came on August 12, 2025, when he earned his first career save by pitching the final four innings of a 13-5 victory against the Atlanta Braves. According to MLB statistics through the 2025 season, Hagenman posted a 0-1 win-loss record with a 4.56 ERA and 23 strikeouts during his rookie campaign.
Justin Michael Hagenman Career Highlights
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2018 to 2025, Hagenman has accumulated experience across multiple minor league levels and earned his first major league opportunity with the New York Mets. His career has been marked by consistent performance and the ability to adapt to different roles within pitching staffs.
Minor League Achievements
Hagenman’s minor league career featured several standout seasons. His 2019 campaign with Great Lakes Loons resulted in a 6-2 record with a 2.24 ERA, one of his lowest ERAs as a professional. His 2021 season with Tulsa saw him go 7-4 with a 3.45 ERA while recording six saves. The 2023 season with Oklahoma City proved particularly strong, as he went 4-0 with a 2.78 ERA in 25 appearances before his mid-season trade to Boston.
Major League Career
After seven seasons in the minor leagues, Hagenman made his MLB debut in April 2025 with the New York Mets. His first major league season concluded with a 0-1 record, a 4.56 ERA, and 23 strikeouts across his appearances. His first career save came in August 2025 against the Atlanta Braves, providing a memorable moment during his rookie campaign.
| League Level | Seasons | Win-Loss | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (New York Mets) | 2025 | 0-1 | 4.56 |
| Triple-A (Worcester/Oklahoma City) | 2022-2024 | 13-9 | 4.11 |
| Double-A (Tulsa Drillers) | 2021 | 7-4 | 3.45 |
Education
Hagenman’s educational background played a significant role in his development as a pitcher. He attended Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, during his high school years, where he balanced academic responsibilities with his passion for baseball. His college career at Pennsylvania State University provided him with the opportunity to compete against top collegiate competition in the Big Ten Conference while earning a degree.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Hagenman’s rookie year in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets. After beginning the year with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he received his promotion to the majors in mid-April. His debut came against the Minnesota Twins, where he showed promise by striking out four batters in his first two innings of work, joining company with Zack Wheeler as the last Mets pitcher to achieve this feat.
Throughout the season, Hagenman appeared in games for the Mets bullpen, contributing in various situations. His role evolved throughout the season as he looked to establish himself at the major league level. The highlight of his campaign came in August when he recorded his first career save against the Atlanta Braves, a four-inning performance that showcased his durability and ability to handle high-leverage situations.
Looking ahead, Hagenman provides the Mets with a versatile left-handed arm who can contribute in multiple roles. His experience as both a starter and reliever gives the organization flexibility in how they deploy him. The 2025 season served as his introduction to major league competition, and his performance laid the foundation for what promises to be an ongoing major league career.