MLB Amateur Draft: The Top Three Pitchers in the 2019 Draft
The Top Three Pitchers in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft
Alek Manoah, West Virginia University
At #10 rank, Alek Manoah had a lot to prove when he went undrafted as a senior in high school. He would go on to enroll at West Virginia University, where he has seen different roles over his three college seasons with the Mountaineers.
In his freshman season, the 6’6 right-hander would appear in 19 games, 10 of which he started. In his first season, Manoah would throw a 3.07 ERA with a 1-1 record and 2 saves. He would hold batters to a .219 AVG with 45 strikeouts and 33 BB.
Manoah’s sophomore season saw him start one less game and see his ERA rise to 4.00, with 23 appearances and 9 games started with 2 saves. His strikeouts would increase to 60 and his walks would decrease by 5 to 28, but he gave up 5 more earned runs (24) which inflated his ERA. He would finish the season with a 3-5 record.
A bit of a step back in his college career considering how his freshman year was quite successful. It was also apparent that his team was a bit of a liability in the field, considering he is charged with 36 runs, with only 24 earned.
His junior year in 2019 was considered the breakout season, as he has only been used as a starter in his 13 games this season. He is currently pitching a 1.89 ERA with a 7-3 record, with 121 strikeouts and 22 walks. These are very good numbers considering this is the most innings he has pitched in his college career, as well as the most games he has started (and will continue to start).
Manoah has just been simply dominating teams this season and has pitched 2 complete games this season, both being shutouts.
He would also play in the Cape Cod league in 2018 with the Chatham Anglers, and would again show flashes of brilliance during his short time. He would pitch to a 3-2 record in 7 games started with a 2.70 ERA.
Where will be drafted?
It is again a bit difficult to conclude where Manoah might be taken, as the teams mentioned earlier in the article could easily use their picks on the WVU right-hander. If I had to narrow down a guess, I would say it could be the San Diego Padres or the Cincinnati Reds, as both teams could use a right-handed pitcher.
Considered the face of the WVU Mountaineers, Manoah could easily see his name called before his #10 rank based on the pitching needs to teams prior. Manoah will easily see his name called in the first round and should command a good deal to become a professional ballplayer.