2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: nos. 5-1

3. Tyler Kolek, Shepherd HS (TX), RHP, 6′ 5″, 230 lbs.

So word is that Kolek has hit 102 on the gun. He’s also hit 100 or more many times this past spring. You didn’t need that knowledge to assess that he’s the top power arm in this class, but it helps.

The fastball easily sits in the mid 90’s. He’ll throw a mid 70’s curve that needs some attention as consistency hasn’t always been present. When it’s right, it’s a true 12-6 offering. His slider sits in the low 80’s and has even more break that the curve. The changeup is “there”. It’s a low 80’s pitch, but Kolek hasn’t had to use it much to get out the prep bats he faces. Adding this to his arsenal would make him

And imagine if he already had that changeup…

If you want to point to one aspect of Kolek’s game that needs the greatest attention, it would be his control and command. When you know you can hit triple digits, it can play in your head thinking you must do it on every pitch. This could lead to overthrowing, thus losing the ability to locate your pitches.

His delivery isn’t as “clean” as other as there are a lot of moving parts. Being 6′ 5″ can have that effect.

Kolek has a commitment to TCU.