The Louisiana State University Tigers have a great recent history of pitchers being selected high in the MLB Draft. Kevin Gausman went 4th overall in 2012, and Aaron Nola went 7th in 2014. Alex Lange could be the next LSU power arm to go in the first round. In the latest mock draft published by Baseball America, Lange goes to the Blue Jays at 29. A strong performance in the SEC and NCAA tournaments could see Lange rise higher up draft boards.
Alex Lange 2017 MLB Draft Profile
Overview
Lange is from the Kansas City area. Good enough to be drafted out of high school, Lange went undrafted because of his committment to LSU. In 2015, his freshman season, Lange rose to stardom going 12-0 with a 1.97 ERA and 131 Ks in 114 innings. As a sophomore, his number of strikeouts, walks, and innings went largely unchanged but his ERA was a much more pedestrian 3.79. Thus far in 2017, the right hander has a 2.79 ERA, tossed three complete games, and struck out 111 batters to 33 walks. MLB.com has Lange as a 50 out of 80 on their scout grading system.
Strengths
The junior has good size at 6-4, 200 lbs. He has two plus pitches in a fastball that sits 92-96 and a devastating curveball. Both received a scout grade of 60 (above average) from MLB.com. Lange’s changeup is also impressive although inconsistent. Playing at LSU and in the ultra-competitive SEC, as well as the College World Series, Lange has performed well in three seasons in numerous high pressure situations. His workload, an average of 113 innings in his first two seasons and an injury free college career, are also encouraging.
Weaknesses
Lange can overthrow and rush at times, throwing off his mechanics and leading to control issues. The only other concern for scouts is his max effort delivery. Pitchers who throw for high velocity with ease are more ideal.
