2021 MLB Draft Prep – Top 10 College Pitchers
The 2021 MLB Draft is taking place a little later in the calendar year than usual due to COVID impacts on… life. It’s unclear what COVID and the pause in development means for prospects both in and out of professional baseball, but everyone is facing the same unprecedented obstacles. The Draft is slated for July 11th with these should be the first college pitchers taken.
#1 Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
4-pitch Mix: FB T98, CB, SL, CH
Leiter is the consensus #1 pitcher in this year’s draft class. He is the son of former All-Star Al Leiter. Jack was the most impressive starting college pitcher this season thanks to his polish and ability to throw strikes consistently while generating plenty of swing and miss from all of his pitches. He has an excellent chance to develop into a front of the rotation starter although there are some durability concerns.
He has a good chance to be the #1 pick on draft day.
#2 Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
4-pitch Mix: FB T99, ++SL, CH, CUT
Rocker was the pre-season consensus #1 draft prospect and although his stock has dipped a bit, there’s still a chance he could go in the top 5 picks. His best pitch is his slider that earns 70 grades from scouts. Rocker has the build to be a durable starting pitcher, but he’ll need to improve his ability to throw strikes consistently and improve his changeup and cutter to avoid turning into a power reliever.
#3 Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
4-pitch Mix: FB T95, ++CH, SL, CB
Wicks is the top left handed pitcher in this year’s draft class thanks to a strong track record and he has the best changeup in the class as well. He does a great job of throwing strikes and is an advanced pitcher that earns praise from scouts for his competitiveness.
#4 Gavin Williams, RHP, East Carolina
4-pitch Mix: FB T100, CB, CH, SL
Williams has always shown plenty of potential with his 6’6″ frame and ability to throw hard. A reliever until this spring, he improved across the board while showing a better feel for throwing strikes and displaying a good feel for all of his pitches, with the chance for 3 above average or better pitches. He shined in the Super Regional against Vanderbilt and has the makings of a mid-rotation starter.
#5 Ty Madden, RHP, Texas
4-pitch Mix: FB T99, +SL, CH, CB
Madden was one of the best college pitchers this season thanks to his ability to throw strikes consistently and keep hitters off balance with his slider that earned plus grades from some scouts. There is some questions as to whether or not he will be a starting pitcher or power reliever.
#6 Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Ole Miss
4-pitch Mix: FB T95, SL, CH, CB
Hoglund was a 1st Round pick out of high school in 2018 and pitched well enough to be considered a potential top 10 pick this season. That was before his season ended due to Tommy John surgery. He has plus command and does a good job throwing strikes and should develop into a back of the rotation starter.
#7 Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
4-pitch Mix: FB T96, +CB, SL, CH
McGreevy is an advanced pitcher despite being one of the younger college pitchers in this year’s draft class. He has a good feel for 4 pitches that have a chance to be above average or better and does an excellent job of throwing strikes consistently and is considered to be the best pitcher on the west coast. He should develop into a mid-rotation starting pitcher.
#8 Sam Bachman, RHP, Miami (Ohio)
3-pitch Mix: FB T101, ++SL, CH
Bachman might have the best 2 pitch combination among all pitchers in this year’s draft class. His fastball touches triple digits consistently and he sports a power slider that has topped out at 90. He projects to be a reliever long term due to effort in his delivery and inconsistent control, but will get the chance to start after he signs.
#9 Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest
4-pitch Mix: FB T102, CB, CH, SL
Cusick has one of the best fastballs in this year’s draft class, and he often hits triple digits with it. His curveball has a chance to develop into a plus breaking ball. There are questions about his control, so many believe his future is in the bullpen.
#10 Will Bednar, RHP, Mississippi State 4-pitch Mix: FB T97, SL, CB, CH
Bednar was one of the top pitchers in the SEC this season while helping Mississippi State to the College World Series. He has a strong durable frame and projects to be a starting pitcher.
-James Weisser
