MLB Draft: 2016 Top High School Prep Arms

Kevin Gowdy is a high school arm that should be available when the Pirates make their selection. The 6’4” and 170 pound right hander from Santa Barbara High School in California has a great frame, and more of a projectable mold. His body is what about the same as the Pirates 2014 second round pick pitcher Mitch Keller, who was 6’3” and 195 pounds.

Gowdy currently sits in the low 90s, but with his frame and project ability, his fast ball has room to gain velocity and sit in the mid-90s and potentially reach upper 90s. From reports he rarely uses his changeup, but it shows flashes. He also features a slider that can become a good out pitch, and as he fills out it should pick up more velocity as well. Gowdy goes with a slow, over the head windup that is repeatable, which is always a good sign and should allow Gowdy to just pound the strike zone.

The right hander is also committed to play baseball at UCLA, the same school that produced Pirates ace Gerrit Cole. He could be a below slot pick, which could set the Pirates up for future rounds. If Gowdy is there for the picking, I could see the Pirates bucking their trend and picking a high school pitcher in the first round. He could be a below slot pick, which could set the Pirates.

Next: Groome is left hander number one, but left hander number 2