MLB Draft Names to Know: High School Pitchers

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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May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baseball glove on turf before an MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Anderson, RHP, New York HS

Who Is He?

Anderson has moved up the board consistently since last spring as he’s continued growing and adding velocity. He’s now 6’4″ and throwing in the mid-90s, with reports of him touching 97. He’s got a very good curve ball and one of the better change ups in the draft, which makes his three pitch mix very desirable.

Anderson is the third pitcher mentioned here that is committed to Vanderbilt, and he’s the first that might make campus, as he has a pretty high number that could cause him to be a later pick than his skills would suggest. I’ll wager that he’s a top 10 pick on talent, but he may be selected after the top 20.

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Joey Wentz, LHP, Kansas HS

Who Is He?

Wentz has been dropping on some lists, and I’d contend that’s due to prospect fatigue as much as anything as people have been watching Wentz since he was a 15-year-old sophomore standing 6’5″ and showing solid velocity. He’s filled out very well, and could even add more strength to a very nice frame. He’s got a fastball that runs into the mid-to-upper-90s along with a curve that is above average as well. His change needs work, but it’s solid.

Wentz has been rumored to want a decent amount of money to buy him out of his commitment to the University of Virginia, and I honestly don’t see him getting drafted high, but he’s a big time candidate to go in the 30s-40s in the draft with a deal to someone for an over-slot amount of money.

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