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: University of Pittsburgh
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 225 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
T.J. Zeuch 2016 MLB Draft Profile
A big righty out of Mason, Ohio, T.J. Zeuch was originally drafted in the 31st round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Kansas City Royals. However, Zeuch chose not to sign, and instead opted to play baseball for the University of Pittsburgh.
It became clear in his freshman year that he made the right choice. Operating in a swingman role for the Panthers, Zeuch made fifteen appearances, including nine starts, and recorded a 2.75 ERA. He struck out forty-one batters while walking just seventeen. He transitioned to the starting rotation full-time as a sophomore and became Pitt’s workhorse. He threw 88.1 innings over fourteen starts, and struck out ninety while walking a measly twenty-five batters. His ERA rose to 3.87, but he improved as the season went along.
Now in his junior year, Zeuch has put it all together to become a sure-fire second round pick, with the potential to rise into the late-first round. He is 5-1 with a 2.62 ERA at the head of Pittsburgh’s rotation, and his already-solid command has only improved, leading to fifty-one punchouts against just ten walks across forty-eight innings. He throws two legit out pitches (95 mph fastball; 88 mph slider), and his curveball serves as a good compliment. He could be a middle-of-the-rotation starter for an organization for many years.
Strengths:
- Size and durability should make him an innings-eater in the majors
- Plus command leads to strikeouts and cuts down on baserunners
- Groundball pitcher
- Fastball, slider, and curveball are already well developed
Weaknesses:
- Command, while above average, is not precise
- Inconsistent changeup
MLB Comparison: Rick Porcello, RHP, Boston Red Sox
Projected Pick Range: 40-48 overall
Most Likely Landing Spots: Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres
Bottom Line
Baseball America ranked Zeuch as their 41st overall prospect heading into the season, and he’s earned that praise. With above average control, the ability to work deep into games, and three developed pitches, Zeuch could move quickly through any organization’s minor league system to become a solid third or fourth starter for years to come.
Sources: Baseball America, PittsburghPanthers.com, Perfect Game, Baseball Draft Report, Prospect Junkies
