Tanner Witt 2020 MLB Draft Profile
There is always a market for pitchers in Major League Baseball, and that’s an understatement. A tall flame-thrower with control is an especially hot commodity. One such player is Tanner Witt, a graduating high school senior from Bellaire, Texas. The 6’6”, 198-pound prospect is also a shortstop – it’s his primary position, in fact – and with the new two-way player designation coming into Major League Baseball, that could also make him a top prize. However, his commitment to play college ball for the University of Texas might make teams balk at selecting him.
Strengths
Tanner Witt is the top-ranked high school shortstop in Texas. He has, according to Texas Longhorns recruiting coordinator Sean Allen, “as much raw power as any high school kid in the country.” Moving to the mound seemed natural, given how hard he throws. In one year, his fastball increased in velocity from 90 to 94 mph. He also has a mid-70s curveball with downward movement and a high-70s changeup. According to MLB’s scouting video, he uses a 3/4 arm delivery that allows him to change delivery angles easily. The scouting video also says that big league scouts feel that he could learn a slider quickly.
Weaknesses
Tanner Witt’s pitching still needs to develop, as his primary position is shortstop. However, the biggest “weakness” is signability. When he committed to Texas, the buzz surrounding him was that he will be a fourth-generation Longhorn. His mother, Lori, played softball there. His quote when signing there was “There is no atmosphere like the atmosphere of Longhorn Nation.” Texas head baseball coach David Pierce said, “Tanner has burnt orange in his genes….” These statements do not make it seem very likely that he will go pro if drafted, even if he is chosen in the high rounds.
MLB Comparison
Being a two-way player immediately draws comparisons to pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels or pitcher/outfielder Michael Lorenzen of the Cincinnati Reds. His height and weight, however, are similar to reliever Jerry Blevins. If he were to develop a slider, it would probably be in the mid-80s range. Doing so would give him the same pitch selection and pitch speeds as Lucas Giolito, who is also 6’6” but outweighs Witt by 50 pounds.
Outlook for Tanner Witt
It will probably take a very high selection and large contract offer to lure Tanner Witt away from playing for the Texas Longhorns. That would be a tall order in a normal year, but in this draft that will be an especially long shot. With such limited rounds, teams will be less likely to gamble on Witt. Having said that, his ceiling is such that there might be teams who give it a shot and see what happens. Whether he goes pro or to Austin has yet to be seen, but whichever team gets him will be glad to have him.
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