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: Shawnee Mission East (Prarie Village, Kansas)
Position: LHP/1B
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 205
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Joey Wentz 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Joey Wentz is a large left handed pitcher who, before this year, was known more for his hitting prowess than his arm. With a fastball that has gained velocity, and continual power at the plate, Wentz has asserted himself as a top prospect in this year’s draft. Wentz is teammates and good friends with another top draft choice, Riley Pint. Wentz has committed to the University of Virginia but will likely skip college if he gets drafted as high as expected.
Strengths:
- Fastball around 93 mph with 2-seam action
- Curveball around 76 mph with a 1-7 break
- Changeup around 81 with circle-change action.
- Great hitter with power
- Large frame
- Repeatable motion
Weaknesses:
- He doesn’t have many well developed secondary pitches
MLB Comparison: Lefty version of Bronson Arroyo or Adam Wainwright
Projected Pick Range: 10-20
Most Likely Landing Spot: Los Angeles Angels
Bottom Line
Wentz’s draft stock has dramatically increased over the last 6-8 months. He’s been projected as high as a top ten talent, and as low as a mid 30s draft pick. Ultimately, his vast improvement as a pitcher, and steady improvement with secondary pitches, is enough to get scouts to bite on him. He’s a young pitcher with time and ability to improve rapidly, which makes him pretty enticing to teams picking 10-20. The Angels need pitching prospects, and he would fit perfectly.
Sources: Prospect Junkies, Baseball America
Main Photo Via USA Today Sports
