With their #64 pick, the Bucs selected pitcher Mitch Keller from Xavier High School in Iowa. He was chosen in just about the right spot, ranked #76 by Baseball America and considered a second round candidate. He's a 6'3" 200 pound righty.
Keller went 5-5 with a 1.72 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 69-1/3 innings for Xavier. He jumped on the radar after his fastball touched 95 mph and sat in the low nineties during Perfect Game USA's National Pre-Draft Showcase, with a serviceable curve and a raw change up. He's projected as a number three pitcher.
He may be take some work to sign. Keller has an advisor, Jason Wood, who is the agent of his older brother, Jon, a minor league pitcher in the Oriole organization, and a commitment to North Carolina. So he has some leverage and knowledge, but sounds like he's ready to begin his pro career. His slot is $886,800, and the Pirates may have some play money to add if it's needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment