2014 MLB Draft Prospect Rankings: Nos. 50-46

48. Cameron Varga, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (OH), RHP, 6’3″, 205 lbs.

Varga considered heading to the University of Florida (his older brother is a member of the Gators baseball program) as possibly a position player. A twist of events occurred when the family moved from Florida to Ohio. With that move, Varga de-committed and opened the recruiting process again. This time, pitching took front and center. Varga has since committed to North Carolina, but Chapel Hill might not be his ultimate destination.

Varga missed time last fall due to biceps tendonitis. That may have been a by-product of needing surgery in order to remove a cyst. The off-time might have been exactly what he needed as Varga has excelled this season. He recently set a high school record by fanning 23 consecutive batters.

A low 90’s fastball that has touched 95 and his plus curve with power are catching the attention of many scouts. Recently, twenty scouts were on hand to see Varga pitch. One such attendee was one organization’s scouting director. In that outing, Varga struck out all 15 batters he faced.

It’s not just me that likes Varga. Nathan Rode of Prep Baseball Report writes that Varga’s “fastball-curveball combination makes Varga a premium prospect…”

Rode adds that Varga has hurled 39 innings this season. In those 39 innings, Varga has struck out 94 batters. And Varga’s ERA is sitting at a pristine 0.00.

Wait. 94 strikeouts in 39 innings?!?! That SO/9 is an astonishing 21.7!