My 2016 played in the Perfect Game League the summer before his freshman year...he wanted so see what college competition would be like before he got on campus. Admittedly, he wasn't a pitcher, but he had a great experience, had a wonderful host family, learned how to navigate a clubhouse of new teammates and older players--made the All-Star team and was named All-League.
He also came on campus with enough AP credits to get a head start academically and is on pace to graduate in three years. He was All-Conference Academic...if he's there for all four years, he could be a grad student.
There are many paths out there...