Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: Boston College
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
Justin Dunn 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Dunn, a New York native, played four years of varsity baseball at The Gunnery in Connecticut. He was named a co-captain of the team as a senior in 2013. In that same year, Dunn earned Western New England Prep Baseball League First-Team All-Star and Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason All-Region First-Team honors.
Though he profiles as a pitcher in the Major Leagues, Justin is also competent with the bat. He worked part-time as an infielder in high school, and was known to have good bat speed. He has the ability to switch hit should he need to. During his senior year at the Gunnery, Dunn carried a .413 batting average and drove in twenty runs.
Originally selected in the 37th round of the 2013 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dunn, a dedicated student, chose instead to commit to Boston College for four years. He throws a fastball that was already touching the low-90s in high school and can now reach 98 mph, a plus-potential curveball, and a changeup that could be developed more.
Dunn began his college career as a reliever, but has since transitioned to the rotation full-time. In that role, he’s showcased a live arm. In 2016, he owns a 2-1 record, a 1.31 ERA, and 36 strikeouts (to just 12 walks) in 34.1 innings. His stock is rising as fast as anyone’s. Expect him to be gone by the end of the first round.
Strengths:
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Live arm that throws true heat
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Plus curveball to complement deadly fastball
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Developing changeup with the potential for a fourth pitch to round out his arsenal
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Can do damage with a bat in his hands
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Intelligent as a player and person
Weaknesses:
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If changeup fails to develop, may be forced into relief role
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May be committed to his fourth year at Boston College
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Limited experience as a starter means he’s still raw
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Small-ish build
MLB Comparison: Steven Matz
Projected Pick Range: 35-41
Most Likely Landing Spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
Bottom Line
Dunn throws legitimate heat and has secondary pitches worthy of complementing his elite fastball. Even if his changeup fails to develop, he could be deadly in a relief role. His ability with a bat gives him added value to a National League team. It would be fitting to see the Dodgers take another shot at him.
Sources: Boston College Athletics, Perfect Game, BC Interruption
Main Photo via Youtube.com
