Did Patrick Mahomes Play Baseball? Yes – Here's the Full Story

By Sarah Miller · October 28, 2028

Yes, Patrick Mahomes did play baseball during his high school and college years. He was a standout multi-sport athlete at Whitehouse High School in Texas, excelling in both football and baseball. As a pitcher, he threw fastballs over 90 mph and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. However, he chose to focus on football at Texas Tech University, ultimately pursuing a professional career in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes' Baseball Journey: From High School Phenom to MLB Draft Prospect

Before becoming an NFL superstar, Patrick Mahomes was a highly talented dual-sport athlete. His performance on the baseball diamond was so impressive that it earned him serious consideration from Major League Baseball scouts. This section explores the key phases of his baseball career.

High School Baseball Career

Mahomes played four years of varsity baseball at Whitehouse High School (Texas).
He served as the team's ace pitcher, known for his powerful arm and competitive drive.
As a senior, he recorded a fastball velocity of 92–95 mph, drawing national scouting attention.
His fastball ranked among the top velocities for high school pitchers in the 2014 class.
Mahomes also played shortstop and first base when not pitching.

College and MLB Draft Decision

Despite committing to play quarterback at Texas Tech, Mahomes remained eligible for the MLB Draft.
In 2014, the Detroit Tigers selected him in the 37th round (1,118th overall).
Rather than sign with the Tigers, he chose to pursue football full-time at Texas Tech.
This decision proved pivotal, setting him on the path to becoming the No. 10 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

NFL vs. MLB: A Crossroads in Mahomes’ Athletic Career

The choice between professional football and baseball is rare but not unprecedented. Mahomes’ elite skill in both sports placed him in an exclusive group of multi-sport talents. While football offered greater long-term earning potential and visibility, his baseball ability was legitimate enough to warrant a late-round draft pick from an MLB team.

Career Stage	Sport	Team / Institution	Achievement	Year
High School	Baseball	Whitehouse High School	Varsity pitcher, 95 mph fastball	2010–2014
MLB Draft	Baseball	Detroit Tigers	Drafted in 37th round (1,118th pick)	2014
College	Football	Texas Tech University	Starting QB, set school records	2014–2016
NFL Draft	Football	Kansas City Chiefs	Selected 10th overall	2017
Professional	Football	Kansas City Chiefs	3× Super Bowl champion, 2× MVP	2017–Present

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table highlights Mahomes’ transition from a promising high school baseball player to an NFL legend. Despite being drafted by an MLB team, his trajectory shifted decisively toward football. The data shows that while his baseball achievement was notable, his long-term success has been realized in the NFL.

Why Mahomes Chose Football Over Baseball

Several factors influenced Mahomes’ decision to forgo a potential MLB career:

Family Influence: His father, Pat Mahomes Sr., played 11 seasons in MLB, giving Patrick unique insight into the demands and lifestyle of a professional baseball player.
Positional Risk: As a pitcher, Mahomes would have faced significant injury risk and a longer development timeline in the minors.
Passion for Football: He consistently expressed greater passion for playing quarterback and leading a team.
Immediate College Opportunity: Texas Tech offered him the chance to start immediately, accelerating his path to the NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patrick Mahomes and Baseball

Did Patrick Mahomes ever play professional baseball?

No, Patrick Mahomes never played professional baseball. Although he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2014, he chose to attend Texas Tech University and focus on football instead of signing with the team.

How good was Patrick Mahomes at baseball?

Patrick Mahomes was exceptionally good at baseball, especially as a pitcher. He threw fastballs between 92 and 95 mph in high school and was considered one of the top pitching prospects in Texas, which led to his MLB Draft selection.

Which MLB team drafted Patrick Mahomes?

The Detroit Tigers drafted Patrick Mahomes in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft with the 1,118th overall pick.

Could Patrick Mahomes have had an MLB career?

While possible, an MLB career would have required years in the minor leagues with no guarantee of reaching the majors. Given his elite football talent and immediate college opportunity, football was the more viable and rewarding path.

Does Patrick Mahomes still play baseball?

No, Patrick Mahomes does not currently play baseball. Since committing to football at Texas Tech, he has focused entirely on his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs.