Top 10 high school pitchers for 2015 MLB Draft
Justin Hooper Highlights (De La Salle, CA) Video: Justin Hooper high school highlights
De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) lefty expected to be taken in the first round of the MLB Draft.
Usually high school pitchers rank among the top prospects in the Major League Baseball Draft. However, this year pitchers in the Class of 2015 will likely start to come off the board near the end of the first round, while the position players go early.
MaxPreps takes a look at the Top 10 high school pitching prospects for the MLB Draft, which is set to get underway Monday evening.
Top 10 Class of 2015 Pitchers
Mike Nikorak, Stroudsburg (Pa.), 6-5, 224 - RHP
Possesses possibly the best fastball of any high school pitching prospect, topping out at 97 mph. He also has a curveball that has plus potential. He reportedly also has a smooth delivery. For a top-rated pitcher, Nikorak actually threw relatively few innings this spring.
Where he'll go: First Round
Ashe Russell, Indianapolis Cathedral, 6-4, 195 - RHP
Russell can hit the low 90s with his fastball, but his changeup is his best pitch. Some reports, however, show concern for a delivery that is not smooth.
Where he'll go: Late first round.
Justin Hooper, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 6-7, 230 - LHPPhoto by Ralph Thompson
De La Salle lefty Justin Hooper is expected to be taken in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
The top-ranked high school left-hander in the draft, Hooper has plenty of promise but also needs some work. He has a 97 mph fastball, a curve and a change-up, but he needs to cut down on the walks.
Where he'll go: Late first round.
Donny Everett, Clarksville (Tenn.), 6-2, 220 - RHP
Everett became a coveted prospect last summer when he hit 97 mph with his fastball. Needs to work on a second pitch with a slider being the best bet.
Where he'll go: Late first round.
Austin Smith, Park Vista (Lake Worth, Fla.), 6-4, 215 - RHP
Lots of potential here as Smith continues to improve. Smooth delivery and easy effort are Smith's best attributes. His fastball is around 93 mph, but he needs to work on the rest of his repertoire.
Where he'll go: Second Round.
Beau Burrows, Weatherford (Texas), 6-2, 200 - RHP
The top pitcher in Texas, Burrows hits the low 90s with his fastball and he is known for his curveball.
Where he'll go: Second round
Kolby Allard, San Clemente (Calif.), 6-2, 175 - LHP
Allard was injured for most of the season, which may affect his draft position. Prior to his injury, he was hitting 96 mph on his fastball. He also has a plus breaking ball.
Where he'll go: Second Round
Juan Hillman, Olympia (Orlando, Fla.), 6-2, 183 - LHP
Hillman has command of three pitches with a fastball that hits 91 mph and an above-average changeup. Also solid at the plate, but will more than likely be drafted as a pitcher.
Where he'll go: Second Round.
Luken Baker, Oak Ridge (Conroe, Texas), 6-4, 240 - RHP
A strong pitching prospect with a 90-mph fastball, Baker could also find a spot in the everyday starting lineup with a strong bat.
Where he'll go: Second round.
Tristan McKenzie, Royal Palm Beach (Fla.), 6-5, 160 - RHP
Lots of potential here due mainly to his slight frame. Should be able to put on some weight in the minor leagues. He reaches 92 mph with his fastball but reports are that he is inconsistent with his speed. Solid curveball and changeup. Where he'll go: Third round.
