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 California-Berkeley (CAL)
Position: RHP
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Daulton Jefferies 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Daulton Jefferies has burst on to the scene as a top pitching prospect in this year’s MLB Draft. The right-hander out of California has impressed the last couple seasons, and this year he boasts a 5-0 record with a 1.09 ERA. He is currently sidelined with a shoulder strain that doesn’t seem to be too serious. He may be smaller than some of the other prospects, but the success of pitchers like Tim Lincecum and Sonny Gray should give teams a reason to take a serious chance on him.
Strengths
- Plus fastball around 93 mph with 2-seam action
- Plus curveball around 74 mph with a 1-7 break
- Changeup around 86 mph, more of a splitter or hard Circle-Change
- Slider with late, downward break.
- Above average fielder, extremely athletic.
Weaknesses:
- Small frame
- Shoulder injury (only other thing I could possibly think of that would hinder his draft stock)
MLB Comparison: Sonny Gray
Projected Pick Range: 15-25
Most Likely Landing Spot: Toronto Blue Jays
Bottom Line
Jefferies is a future MLB pitcher, and it’s quite evident. If he doesn’t have to deal with this shoulder injury, he’s probably being discussed as a top-ten pick. He has command over all four pitches, and they are developed to an elite level for his age. His mechanics are repeatable and not too violent. He has the potential to shoot up through a farm system, given how well developed a pitcher he has become. Remember this name, because you will be hearing about him for years to come. Check out this video from 2080 Baseball for a look at what Jefferies can do.
Sources: Baseball America, 2080 Sports, Cal Athletics
Photo via Youtube.com
