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Alex Speas 2016 MLB Draft Profile

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: McEachern High School (Ga.)
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Height: 6′ 4”
Weight: 190 lb.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right

Alex Speas 2016 MLB Draft Profile

In the 2014 Draft, the most electric high school arm belonged to a product of the Atlanta Blue Jays travel program: Touki Toussaint, who went in the first round to the Diamondbacks and since has been traded to the Braves. The Atlanta Blue Jays have another high-upside hurler for 2016 in Speas, who has a similar build and skill set. Speas is a 6’4″ 190 lb right handed pitcher from Powder Springs, GA with a college commitment to Mississippi State. Speas’ calling card is velocity on his Fastball. His trademark electrifying arm speed touched 97 mph at this past June’s Perfect Game National Showcase. He’s still pretty slim, but has a physical frame that should be able to gain more good weight. It’s safe to project another 3-4 mph on that Fastball after he gets into a program with weight training.

Strengths:
Explosive fastball with riding life (92-97mph)
Plus curveball
Lanky frame

Weaknesses:
Lack of command
Inconsistent mechanics

MLB Comparison: Dwight Gooden
Projected Pick Range: 40-50
Most Likely Landing Spot: Milwaukee Brewers

Bottom Line:

Speas isn’t nearly as polished as Gooden was at the same stage, however, and he has less pitchability than Toussaint did. Speas has trouble throwing strikes on a consistent basis, and the life on his fastball and the depth on his curve don’t help. The Mississippi State recruit could develop into a frontline starter, but if he can’t develop a changeup and better command, he could be a late-inning reliever. There’s a big boom or bust scenario with Speas.

Sources: Pefect Game USA, MLB Prospect Watch 2016

Main Photo via YouTube

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