Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers is one of the best players in the NBA, but basketball isn’t the only sport he loves.
He has made no secret of his desire to compete in baseball, a sport he has cherished since he was a child.
Speaking with MLB All-Star Francisco Lindor, Mitchell opened up about why he chose the No. 45 for his jersey and revealed that he still wants to play professional baseball at some point.
“Just to honor my baseball roots [Mitchell started using #45 because of Michael Jordan], kind of have some part of me to kind of go back to that. I will say, at some point, I will try to be you when I’m done playing. I’m going to try to be you. Watch,” Mitchell said.
Donovan Mitchell wants to play professional baseball after his NBA career 👀 pic.twitter.com/GRO3EfKACW
— MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2025
When you watch Mitchell play in the NBA, you can envision him racing around the bases after hitting a grand slam.
The man can move incredibly quickly, which would be a huge asset in the MLB.
He has been in love with baseball all his life, and he could actually make the leap to the sport after he retires from the NBA, but that may not be anytime soon.
Mitchell is 28 years old and has been in the league for eight seasons, starting with the Utah Jazz before moving to the Cavaliers at the beginning of 2022-23.
Since then, he’s become the team’s most valuable player, and he seemingly has many years ahead of him.
Will he seriously take a run at playing in the MLB when his time in the NBA is over?
If he still has the talent and the health, why not?
NEXT: New Cavs Guard Named 'Key Addition' This Offseason
