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MLB Draft Names to Know: High School Pitchers

By Benjamin Chase

Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; National pitcher Riley Pint (27) pitches during the first inning in the Under Armour All America Baseball game against the American team at Wrigley field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; National pitcher Riley Pint (27) pitches during the first inning in the Under Armour All America Baseball game against the American team at Wrigley field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Baseball on the pitchers mound before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Manning, RHP, California HS

Who Is He?

Manning’s father was an NBA basketball player, and his brother is a college basketball player, so he comes from an athletic background, and he’s got the height to match at 6’5″. He’s probably even got a little more growing to do as his brother has added some height since graduating high school. Manning played basketball this year as well, so he’s been a multi-sport guy all the way through his high school career, which is a draw to a number of teams.

Manning has a pitch mix that has seen him close to triple digits with his fastball, sitting in the 95-97 MPH area. He repeats his delivery well, and it sounds like his slider and change have taken big steps forward. Manning has signed to play both baseball and basketball at Loyola Marymount, and he reportedly wants a big number to keep him out of that commitment.

He’ll be taken in the top 15 selections, unless his money causes him to fall to teams who have the money to work a deal with him later in the draft.

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Braxton Garrett, LHP, Alabama HS

Who Is He?

Garrett has a long history in front of major scouts, pitching on Team USA in the 18U World Cup. He may have the best curve ball in the entire draft class, college or high school, and it’s one of the better ones I’ve seen in a long time from a high school arm. He’s able to throw the pitch with command as well, which is a big thing.

Garrett sits in the low-90s with his fastball and has a very nice change up as well. His delivery is fluent and easy. He’s reportedly asked a fairly high number to get him to not go to Vanderbilt, but I would wager he goes in the top 10-12 picks, which should be enough to buy him out of that commitment.

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Next: NY Righty and a Midwest Lefty

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