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: David Peterson
Position: LHP
School: Oregon
Rank on Draft Top 200: 19
DOB: 09/03/1995
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6'6" Weight: 240 lbs.
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Fastball: 60
Slider: 55
Curveball: 40
Changeup: 50
Control: 60
Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
Record: 11-4
Innings: 100.1
ERA: 2.51
BB: 15
K: 140
Scouting report
A strong junior season helped Peterson improve his Draft stock. The lefty racked up the strikeouts for Oregon, including a 20-strikeout effort against Arizona State on April 28, with a strong fastball-slider combination. Peterson's fastball sits in the low 90s, while his slider is an above-average offering. Peterson also features a changeup and a curveball. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Peterson has a strong, durable frame that will allow him to continue starting. Peterson also has good command and has kept his walk rate down this spring.
MLB comp: Clayton Richard or Sean Marshall
Fun fact: Peterson learned to have a strong work ethic at an early age as he used to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to help out his dad -- a thoroughbred trainer -- at the stables and racetrack in southern California.
He said it: "I go in every start the same way. It's me versus the other guy. Keep them nameless and faceless and don't put extra pressure on myself. -- Daily Emerald
They said it: "I remember having a team hangout, and he was the first guy to jump in [the pool] out of all the guys that were trying to lead the crew. He's just fun and a great guy to be around."
-- Cole Irvin, Clearwater Threshers LHP and former Oregon teammate of Peterson. Daily Emerald