(Note: Video-only evaluation) 

Arrow-up college righty out of UCSD with chance to pitch in the middle of a rotation. Listed at 6’3″ with athletic build and some projection remaining. Above average athleticism with fluid movements down the mound. Fairly clean delivery with good extension, fair effort and some stiffness on landing. Longer, offline arm action into 3/4 slot with an extension-generated low release height. 

Four-pitch mix led by his FB which features elite traits and works at 92-97. Big carry with some arm side run, low release creates flat approach angle that induces consistent swing and miss at the top of the zone. Pitch settles in at lower velo bands as he gets into his outings, hope that remaining strength projection can help him maintain his velo later in games. Most frequently employed secondary is his gyro slider at 83-86, often flattens out but at its best can show biting downward action and has a chance to be plus. Throws a curveball at 77-80 that can flash big depth but is also consistent, believe it is fairly new to arsenal and that it can get to above average as he refines it. Rarely deploys his power CH at 88-89 but can generate quality tail on the pitch. Needs to deploy more and potentially increase the velo separation to play, but see real upside here as well. 

Decent present control but command is spotty and lacks present touch. That said, has limited walks this year and has the delivery and athleticism to aggressively project average command. Even if he never achieves this, will have the stuff to play in a bulk role. 

Tantalizing mix of traits that portend significant upside. Has the stuff to go in the first round, but lack of polish will likely push to comp or second round. Believe a good development group able to refine his arsenal would have a relatively high probability of yielding value greater than his draft position. Middle-of-the-rotation outcomes in reach, and could see him improving his draft stock over the next couple months if he returns to the mound and can improve stuff consistency.

Not assessing his bonus value here, as he has not pitched in the last month which creates concern there is an injury that would significantly impact his value and draft stock.

FB 50/65 | SL 40/60 | CB 40/55 | CH 35/50 | CMD 30/50