Video: Riley Pint highlightsKansas flamethrower won't be available for long come Thursday.MaxPreps is looking at the top high school players available for the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft, which is scheduled for June 9-11. We continue the series today on the mound.
Top 10 Pitchers in MLB Draft
Riley Pint, Aquinas (Overland Park, Kan.), RHP
Pint has developed into the top pitching prospect in the draft after hitting 100 mph with his fastball on several occasions this spring. He reportedly hit 100 three times in a state playoff game against Seaman (Topeka). The 6-foot-5 righthander had 87 strikeouts and a 0.571 ERA while building a 7-1 pitching record. While Pint reportedly lacks control, he has a strong breaking ball and is seen as a player with plenty of potential. He won't last past the first five picks in the draft.
Jason Groome, Barnegat (N.J.), LHP
At one time thought to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, Groome's stock has fallen in recent weeks. Groome came out on fire to start the season, throwing a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts. However, Groome had to sit out nearly three weeks after it was determined by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association determined that he had not sat out the appropriate amount of time after transferring from IMG Academy. Once Groome returned to action, he finished with a 1-3 record, including 12 strikeouts in a playoff loss to West Deptford. At 6-foot-6, Groome possesses a plus fastball that hits in the high 90s. He also has a plus curve ball and outstanding control. While Groome has slipped from the top overall spot, he will still likely be chosen among the top 10 players in the draft.
Matthew Manning, Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.), RHP
Manning came on strong last summer when he showed a mid-90s fastball. Although he posted just a 2-1 record, he finished with 77 strikeouts in 40.1 innings pitched. An outstanding athlete, Manning, at 6-foot-6, earned all-state honors in basketball. Control is an issue, but he reportedly has a plus curveball to add to his plus fastball. Look for him to go in the middle of the first round.
Kevin Gowdy, Santa Barbara (Calif.), RHP
Another hard thrower who will likely be chosen on the first day, Gowdy had 93 strikeouts in 56.2 innings pitched with a 1.24 ERA. He throws in the low 90s with a plus slider. He has committed to play at UCLA, but he will likely be chosen near the middle of the first round.
Brax Garrett, Florence (Florence, Ala.), LHP
Strong command and an excellent curveball has Garrett slated to go in the first round of the draft. While he doesn't quite possess the fastball of Gowdy or Manning, he can still hit the lower 90s. Garrett ranked among the top strikeout pitchers in the nation with 125 strikeouts in just 62.1 innings pitched. He had a 5-2 record with a 0.56 ERA and just 15 walks. Will likely be chosen near the end of the first round.
Ian Anderson, Shenendehowa (Clifton Park, N.Y.), RHP
Anderson has three solid pitches in his repertoire, including a plus fastball. Anderson was injured for the early part of the season and did not pitch in his first game until April 29. He threw 97 mph in his return and has 47 strikeouts in 35 innings, including 16 in his last outing. He will probably be drafted near the end of the first round.
Joey Wentz, East (Shawnee Mission, Kan.), LHP
Few pitchers had a season as spectacular as Wentz, who greatly improved his stock heading into this year's draft while leading East to a state championship. While also viewed as a first base prospect, Wentz was lights out on the mound as he had a 0.00 ERA and only allowed seven basehits in 51.1 innings pitched. He had 104 strikeouts, giving him an average of more than 2 strikeouts per inning. The 6-foot-5 lefthander upped the velocity on his fastball to around 93 mph, however he reportedly has to work on his secondary pitches. Could be selected late on the first day.
Kyle Muller, Dallas Jesuit (Dallas), LHP
Perhaps no player has had the type of season at the plate and on the mound that Muller has had. The Gatorade National Player of the Year, Muller was among the national leaders with 15 home runs, but he also set a national record with 33 consecutive outs by strikeout. He has an 8-1 record with 133 strikeouts in 76 innings pitched and just 15 walks. A 6-foot-5 lefthander, Muller hits the low 90s with his fastball, but needs to develop his secondary pitches. He will likely be chosen late on the first day of the draft.
Forrest Whitley, Alamo Heights (San Antonio), RHP
At 6-foot-7, Whitley is one of the taller pitching prospects. He has a fastball that is in the mid 90s and he has an above average curveball. Developing command of his pitches will be the key for Whitley at the next level. He has 113 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched with a 0.34 ERA and just 14 walks. He could go late on the first day of the draft.
Reggie Lawson, Victor Valley (Victorville, Calif.), RHP
Lawson has a good fastball in the high 80s to low 90s and he also has a solid curve and change-up. He posted a 3-0 record with a 1.20 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched. Could be chosen late on the first day or early on the second day of the draft.
