MLB Draft: 2016 Top High School Prep Arms

Braxton Garrett is a left handed pitcher from Florence High School in Alabama. Being left handed already makes Garrett an unlikely pick for the Pirates, as they’ve shown to not be too high on drafting lefties in the first round.

Garrett throws from what appears to be a three quarter arm slot, and is deceptive. He bends a lot and often finishes with his glove touching the dirt at times, and seems rather inconsistent, but he should remain a starter. His best pitch is his curveball, which just drops out of hand, and is nasty. He features a fastball that sits in the low 90s and looks to have a little late cut at then, and he has the room to grow, adding some velocity.

The 18 year, who does not turn 19 until August, is 6’3” and 190 pounds, and is currently committed to Vanderbilt, but has the makings of being a strong starter in the pros. I see Garrett’s ceiling being that of Drew Smyly, which any team would love, with his floor being more of a J.A. Happ, a mid-rotation left handed starter. If he is available at pick 22, the Pirates could target him, but I would be shocked, mainly because of him throwing from the left side.

Next: Comparisons drawn to Doc Gooden