CJ Gray Focused on Future as MLB Draft Approaches

For NC State baseball enrollee CJ Gray, the road to professional baseball has been a steady climb — one marked by dedication, self-awareness, and a clear vision of where he wants to go.

A former football player, Gray says walking away from the gridiron wasn’t a difficult choice.

"Giving up football wasn’t tough at all," he said. "It was just something I did for my dad because he coached it. It was just a fun hobby that I did."

That focus has paid off on the baseball field, particularly on the mound, where Gray’s development has accelerated over the last 18 months.

"My pitching has progressed rapidly over the past year and a half as I’ve transitioned more into a pitcher as opposed to a position," he explained. "I’m still two-way but I’m more on the pitching side now."

While most scouts project him as a pitcher, Gray still loves to hit and values his versatility.

"Everybody’s preference for me has been pitching, but I’d say hitting is more fun," Gray said. "I do love pitching. I’ll also play middle infield and outfield, I just don’t catch."

Gray’s high school season was a learning experience, filled with challenges and valuable growth.

"This season we definitely had some ups and downs. We weren’t very good, but we did play some pretty good competition," he said. "We had to work out some kinks throughout the year."

Despite the growing attention from scouts, Gray has managed to keep his perspective.

"As I kept pitching, I got more comfortable with the scouts," he noted. "They don’t really matter in the stands. It’s just me playing my game and they are here to watch. They are the same as any other spectator."

Participating in the MLB Draft Combine was another step forward for Gray, providing a valuable taste of what could soon be his reality.

"The MLB draft combine was a great opportunity. It was a great experience to feel like you’re a pro," he said. "I met some great people and met with great teams as well. It was a great experience."

Joining Gray at the MLB Draft Combine was fellow 2025 pitching prospect Aiden Kitchings, who recently flipped his commitment from Missouri to NC State.  The two played travel baseball together and are good friends.

“I actually went on a football visit to Virginia and his dad is the offensive coordinator there,” Gray added.  “Aiden is a great guy, and I’m excited and glad he flipped.  We talked a lot at the combine.”

While his primary focus is on the draft and his professional future, Gray is also enjoying his time with NC State, where he’s already enrolled for summer school.

"I’m already up at NC State for summer school. It’s been great. I love my teammates and the coaches," he said. "My discussions with the coaches have been great. I know a lot of schools handle it differently than we do at State. We’re very transparent with the talks and open about it. There is no animosity; coach Chrysler and coach Avent both want what’s best for me."

When it comes to his role with the Wolfpack, there are no immediate expectations.

"We have talked hardly at all about my potential role. It’s been more about if I get there first and then figure it all out," he said. "Right now we’re just in the weight room and working hard."

Ultimately, Gray knows his decision will come down to one thing — what will get him to the big leagues the fastest.

"The thing that matters to me the most with my decision is what’s going to develop me to get to the MLB as fast as possible. What’s the best decision for me to get there the quickest?" he said.

As the MLB Draft nears, Gray has a target figure in mind, but is staying flexible as he waits to see what unfolds.

"I have a ballpark figure of what we’re looking for with the draft," he said. "It’s exciting. We’ll see how it goes.”

Inside Pack Sports