Draft profile: Mike Nikorak
*** With the 2015 First-Year Player Draft fast approaching, we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class. ***
Name: Mike Nikorak
Position: RHP
School: Stroudsburg HS (Pa.)
Rank on Draft Top 200: 15
DOB: 9/16/1996
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6'5" Weight: 205 lbs.
College commitment: Alabama
Tools
Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale
30: Well below average
40: Below average
50: Average
60: Above average
Fastball: 65
Curveball: 60
Changeup: 55
Control: 55
Overall: 55
Stats
Record: 2-1
ERA: 0.94
IP: 29 2/3
K's: 50
BB: 21
Average: .417
Home Runs: 6
RBIs: 23
SLG: .792
Scouting report
Nikorak raised his profile with his performance at the first showcase event on the summer circuit. He came out throwing 94-97 mph at the Perfect Game National and some scouts thought he was as impressive as any prep pitcher early in the summer. After having to wait for the Northeast to thaw, he picked up right where he left off, moving up boards as one of the more intriguing prep arms in the class.
Nikorak came out this spring sporting the same 94-97 mph fastball he showed early last summer, with a free and easy delivery. Even if he loses a tick or two, the heater is still effective because it features plenty of run and sink. He shows the makings of a plus curveball at times and also flashes at least a solid changeup.
An all-conference quarterback before he decided to focus on baseball, Nikorak is extremely athletic and has a lot of projection remaining in his lean 6-foot-5 frame. He has committed to Alabama.
MLB comp: Noah Syndergaard
Fun fact: Nikorak's older brother, Steve, was drafted in the 32nd round in 2012 by the Chicago White Sox. He still plays baseball at the independent level.
He said it: "I think I've been performing well on the mound. As of now, I'm not exactly sure where I'll get picked. I'm not worried about it, whatever team it is, is perfectly fine."
-- Nikorak told USA TODAY Sports in early May
They said it: "Generally when you coach high school kids you think hey this kid could play D1, smaller D1, D2, D3. With Mike, you didn't really see the ceiling because you didn't know where it would be."
-- Stroudsburg High School coach Phil Stokes