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. 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: St. Mary’s College (Moraga, California)
Position: Pitcher
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 205 lbs
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Corbin Burnes 2016 MLB Draft Profile
A junior at Saint Mary’s College in California, Burnes burst on to the scene during his 2015 summer in the Cape Cod League. The sparsely recruited pitcher from Bakersfield, California, began his 2016 season underwhelming scouts. He began to mix up his pitches a lot more, and the results have seen him skyrocket up the boards.
Strengths:
- Well developed 12-6 Curve around 75 mph.
- Fastball from mid 80s-mid 90s. Throws at different velocities to get more tail or more sink.
- Solid slider around 80 mph, can throw it back door and tailing away from the plate.
- Circle change with good movement and arm speed, 86 mph.
- Comes off mound in good fielding position.
Weaknesses:
- Hangs slider sometimes.
- Inconsistent finish on the delivery.
- Drops shoulder sometimes, leaving fastball up.
MLB Comparison: Matt Harvey, New York Mets
Projected Pick Range: 30-40th overall
Most Likely Landing Spot: Oakland Athletics
Bottom Line
Burnes is a really interesting prospect, just due to his control over fastball speed based on the break he wants to throw. Add in three more above average pitches, he may be an absolute gem for whoever grabs him. He would be a great pick for Oakland, a local guy that they have had ample opportunity to scout. If he were to stay at Saint Mary’s for his senior year, there is a solid chance he ends up a top-10 pick next season. His draft stock could very well inflate with him on a national stage in the College World Series. Check out this video from Prospect Pipeline on Burnes. His full array of pitches are on display here:
Main Photo via Youtube
Sources: prospect pipeline youtube video, Baseball America, MLB.com 2016 Draft profiles, the baseball draft report
