The first round of the MLB draft will be held on June 4. For the teams that have an early pick on day one, it is essential for them to get a player who can help the team quickly. While drafting a player is not an exact science, teams do their best to ensure they are getting a talented player who can move quickly up the system and help them reach the ultimate goal. College players tend to be more refined and closer to being major league ready. High school players can be taught by the organization’s own coaches but require longer time in the minors. Depending on a team’s needs and evaluation of talent, the draft picks tend to vary in age and maturity level.
Cole Winn 2018 MLB Draft Profile
Cole Winn is a right-handed pitcher at Orange Lutheran HS in Orange County, California. He is a senior at the same high school that produced Gerrit Cole. He is 6’2″ and 190 lbs. After winning the Colorado State Pitcher of the Year in 2017, Winn moved to California to face better competition. Facing top competitors, he has done quite well. Winn has a 7-2 record with a minuscule 0.23 ERA and a 101/9 K/BB ratio in 62 IP. Although he has verbally committed to Mississippi State University, he is said to be signable especially if he goes early in the draft.
Strengths
Winn throws his fastball in the 92-94 range and touches 96. His curveball and slider are above average and his changeup is average at this point. He has a great feel for pitching and many scouts think he can improve significantly on his secondary offerings. Another thing scouts like about Winn is that he has an easy motion. He keeps it simple. His mechanics are very fluid and very repeatable with a moderate leg kick and very good downward drive. His follow through is also surprisingly advanced for an 18-year old. The finish on his motion allows for less stress on his shoulder.
Weaknesses
One knock on Winn is that he gets very hyped up throughout the game. He can allow things to affect him. This is not something unusual for a young pitcher. Another thing scouts are slightly apprehensive about is Cole Winn’s size. He is pretty solid at 18, but some think he may not grow into a big-bodied starter who can handle a full workload.
Overview
Cole Winn has moved up draft boards this season. He chose better competition by moving to California and has been great. Winn shows a polish to his game that is rare for an 18-year old. He has an excellent fastball and has the potential for three plus secondary pitches. His mechanics are clean and fluid, and his follow through is top-notch. CBS Sports has Winn at #11 on their draft board to the Baltimore Orioles. MLB Pipeline has Winn ranked at #9 on their prospect board. Winn will get stronger and if he continues to develop his secondary offerings over the next few years, he can be an ace in the major leagues.
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