Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Two Prep Arms to Watch at Pick No. 36

Left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris

Prospects Live writer Joe Doyle’s most recent mock draft has the Pittsburgh Pirates selecting Jackson Ferris with their 36th overall selection. Mayo also concurs that there’s a possibility the Pirates take Ferris with him having the Bucs selecting the high school southpaw in his June 30th mock draft. Ferris is coming out of IMG Academy and teammates with top high school outfield draft prospect Elijah Green.

Ferris is a southpaw that is already averaging out at 92-95 MPH with his fastball. His primary breaking pitch is a 12-6 curveball that comes in the mid-70s. His third and final offering is a changeup, a pitch that he throws in the mid-80s. Personally, I like to see a pitching prospect who has distinct speeds to all of his offerings. All of his offerings have movement too. His fastball rides through the zone well, and his change-up has fading action, making it a plus offering.

His fastball is the best among his trio of pitches, per MLB Pipeline. They give it a 60-grade. Both his curve and changeup get 55-grades from MLB Pipeline. At 18-years-old, having three offerings that look like plus pitches with unique velocity ranges is promising.

Like Miller, Ferris does come with some questions about his mechanics. This has led to some spotty command, but again, most high school arms have mechanical concerns. Ferris stands at a lanky but projectable 6’4, 195. He has an unorthodox wind-up and delivery, which is where many of the questions about his command and mechanics arise from.