Cullen Scott, one of the top prospects in the 2027 high school baseball class, is understood to have switched his sporting nationality from the United States to New Zealand.

The 16-year-old from Melissa, Texas, is of Māori descent through his father and has previously represented both countries at the youth level. According to baseball reporter Shawn Spalding, Scott has decided to represent New Zealand moving forward, providing Baseball New Zealand with an exciting young prospect.

Scott is considered a two-way player, competing as both a pitcher and hitter. He has already pitched at speeds of up to 160km/h (100 mph) at the Area Code Games, while his hitting ability has also attracted attention.

 

Earlier this year, Perfect Game spoke with Greg Sabers, Perfect Game's vice president of scouting and showcases, about the young prospect.

“He showed us why he's here as a pitcher and a hitter,” Sabers said.

"He's one of the top pitchers here, but he's too good a hitter to put the bat down.”

Perfect Game also spoke with Cullen earlier this year, asking whether he preferred pitching or hitting.

“I want to do both,” he said.

“That's my plan. I'm going to ride it out as long as I can. My main goal at these things is to show I can hit. Because everybody sees the arm talent and sometimes the bat gets dimmed down from that. Everybody is focused on the arm. So that was my goal to come out here and show I can hit.”

His father, Darren Scott, has also played an important role in his baseball development.

Darren grew up playing rugby and cricket in New Zealand before moving to the United States 23 years ago, where he became an accomplished college-level rugby coach.

Despite having little background in baseball, Darren works with his son on his hitting and pitching techniques. The pair regularly train together, with Cullen jokingly describing his father as an "Instagram coach".

Still only 16, Scott will now look to continue his baseball journey with New Zealand, as he works towards the next stage of his career.

Bronte Flanagan
Bronte Flanagan
Bronte Flanagan is an aspiring journalist from regional Victoria with a passion for sports writing. Having played netball and soccer herself, she brings a personal connection to the sports she writes about.