With the 2017 Draft fast approaching (June 12-14 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
Name: Alex Faedo
Position: RHP
School: University of Florida
Rank on Draft Top 200: 11
DOB: 11/12/95
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6'5" Weight: 225 pounds
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Fastball: 60
Slider: 65
Changeup: 50
Control: 50
Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
Record: 7-2
Innings: 103 1/3
Strikeouts: 123
Walks: 34
Scouting report
Faedo is working his way back from arthroscopic surgery on both knees last September, but his stuff has the chance to be dominant. Faedo's fastball -- which sits in the low 90s and features plenty of sinking action -- and his slider both have the potential to touch 70 on the grading scale. Faedo could really go to the next level with an improved changeup, which he sparsely uses at the moment. The righty is known as a pitcher who pounds the strike zone, setting up plenty of chases out of the zone with his wipeout slider. He was rumored to be a potential No. 1 overall pick after striking out 133 batters in 105 innings his sophomore season, before surgery slowed his progress. But it's clear he already knows how to pitch, and not just throw, given that his fastball has never lit up the radar gun.
MLB comp:Andrew Cashner
Fun fact: Faedo is expected to be the third Gators starter selected near the top of the Draft over the last two seasons. His former teammates A.J. Puk (6th overall) and Logan Shore (47th) were each selected by the A's last June.
He said it: "I feel like we've won most of the games [I've pitched], so I think that means I'm doing my job and the team, I figure, is happy with what I'm doing." -- SEC Country
They said it: "He doesn't hide his emotions when he's pitching. I think the other players really respect him, not just because of his ability, but because he is one of those guys that is out here having fun with his team."
-- University of Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan, Orlando Sentinel