MLB Draft: 2016 Top High School Prep Arms

Ian Anderson is another arm the Pirates could potentially look at with their pick at number 22. Anderson is a 6’3” and 170 pound right handed pitcher from Shenendehowa High School in New York. Like Gowdy, Anderson has a nice projectable frame with room to fill out.

Anderson’s fastball currently hovers in the mid-90s, so as he gets bigger and stronger. He could potentially sit in the 95-96 mile per hour range. He features a nice slider that can become his go to pitch to strike batters out. From the windup he starts down the middle, but as he brings the left foot back, his right foot slides over to the first base side of the rubber before kicking his leg up. He repeats his delivery well, as he should be able to consistently throw strikes. His mechanics look to be of the inverted, which is the way John Smoltz threw.

Anderson is committed to Vanderbilt, but he could be a top the Pirates board if he falls, he could be the one. Anderson has dealt with an oblique injury this spring according to MLB pipeline, which can be a deterrent, but he still has the potential to be a top five arm in this high school draft class.