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: Mississippi State University
Position: RHP
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 205
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Dakota Hudson 2016 MLB Draft Profile
After totaling just thirty-four innings pitched across his first two collegiate seasons at Mississippi State, Dakota Hudson posted a 1.43 ERA in 42.2 innings in the Cape Cod league last summer, establishing himself in the eyes of many scouts as a potential first-round pick for the 2016 draft.
Hudson, a Dunlap, Tennessee native who was drafted in the 36th round by the Texas Rangers in the 2013 draft, was nothing short of brilliant for the Bulldogs throughout most of the 2016 season, sporting a 0.92 ERA with fifty-six strikeouts through his first forty innings. In his most recent start, however, he gave up nine hits and four runs (two earned) over five innings, as Mississippi State was knocked out of the SEC Tournament by the LSU Tigers on May 26.
Hudson’s arsenal features an above-average fastball, despite little movement, and possibly the best slider in the 2016 draft class, with great breaking action. His other pitches, a curveball and changeup, are average with not much future projection. Scouts have been concerned with his command, but he showed great promise in the Cape Cod league and throughout his junior season on maintaining his mechanics, and it shows in his performance.
Strengths:
- Elite fastball (93-95 MPH, touches 97)
- One of the best sliders in the draft (upper-80’s velocity, late break)
- Sound mechanics
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent movement with his fastball
- Lack of athleticism
- Little projection on his curveball and changeup
MLB Comparison: Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners
Projected Pick Range: 10-15
Most Likely Landing Spot: Minnesota Twins
Bottom Line
Hudson’s ceiling projects him as a front-line starter. His fastball is straight, but it’s also heat and he is progressing toward consistently controlling it. The slider is brutal with superb late break, and can touch 90 MPH. If the off-speed pitches can sustain the MLB level, he could develop into a future ace. If not, and if his past command issues come back, he still slots in as a mid-rotation starter. Expect Hudson to fall somewhere in the middle of the first round, with teams like Tampa Bay at #13, Minnesota at #15 and Houston at #17 looking for college arms.
Sources: MLB Pipeline, SB Nation Minor League Ball, Mississippi State University
Main Photo via YouTube.com
