Georgia has always produced draft talent; the state routinely has someone selected in the first round. In this year’s draft class, that player will be D.L. Hall, arguably the top prep southpaw in 2017.
D.L. Hall 2017 MLB Draft Profile
Overview
D.L. Hall is a left-handed pitcher from Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. His height and weight vary between different publications, ranging from 6’0″ and 190 pounds to 6’2″ and 175 pounds.
He’s been in the eyes of scouts for the past two years. He and North Carolina prep pitcher MacKenzie Gore project as the best prep southpaws in this year’s draft class. Hall is committed to pitch for the Florida State Seminoles next spring, but scouts like his chances of being selected in the top fifteen picks on June 12.
Strengths
Hall boasts two plus pitches: a fastball and curveball. His fastball ranges from 90-94 MPH and can touch 96. There is also projectable velocity as his athleticism increases. His curveball rates as the best in the high school draft class. The pitch has an excellent hook, with great depth and a high spin rate. Yet, he throws it more like a slurve, causing the shape to differ from a normal 12-6 curveball and making it more unique.
His third pitch is a changeup, which rates as average, but he throws all three of his pitches for strikes. He possesses elite athleticism and repeats his delivery well, allowing him to eliminate hitters with power and finesse.
Weaknesses
Hall’s changeup can use some work to become more effective; however, his true weakness is fastball command.
When he throws it for strikes, it is an elite pitch and projects to get better. With that said, he has had trouble locating it, on occasion. Consequently, this results in his numbers not reflecting his abilities.
Even with his weaknesses, Hall should be one of the first prep pitchers chosen in this year’s draft.
