MLB Draft: RHP Quinn Priester, No. 18 Pittsburgh Pirates

4.16.19 - Texas Christian commit. Ranked No. 1 in the Illinois’ 2019 class and No. 20 overall. 6-foot-3, 200-pound, broad-shouldered, athletically-built, well-proportioned right-handed pitcher; plenty of room for added strength. One of the top high school arms in the country and one of the best to come out of the Midwest in recent memory. Started on Saturday against Huntley and it was his first start with no pitch-count restrictions. Delivery is slow and methodical, highly-repeatable and with extremely easy effort. Arm is clean and quick working from a high ¾ slot and gets extension out front. Ran his fastball up to 96 mph and sat 90-95 mph throughout his 6.2 innings of work. The majority of his fastballs sat 92-95 mph and he kept the same stuff and velocity from the stretch. Was still touching 95 in the sixth inning and 94 in the seventh. Fastball, varies in action, occasionally gets hard arm-side-run, boring in on RHH’s. Will also flatten out and straighten out, especially to the glove side. Overall, he showed control of the fastball. Curveball is an advanced secondary offering with swing-and-miss action. Ability to manipulate depending on count/situation. Drops it in for strikes early and can expand with two; 11/5 shape, tight spin, depth and ranged between 77-82 mph. Only saw a couple of changeups, thrown aggressively, arm-side-run, 84-87 mph. Has a chance to be a plus offering in the future.

5.17.18 - Texas Christian recruit, currently ranked No. 1 in Illinois’ 2019 class and No. 15 overall. 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher with lean, wiry-strong, athletic build. Highly athletic frame, long limbs, high-waisted with considerable room for continued physical development. Overall high level of projection with premium current ability. Made his first start of spring after a few short stints coming out of the pen. Looked sharp, making quick work in his four-inning performance, yielding two hits, no runs, no walks while striking out four. Pounded the strike zone, working in and out confidently and comfortably. Four-seam fastball sat 89-91 in the first two innings, touching 92, and settled in at 87-90 in final two innings. Easy and effortless out of the hand, seemingly plenty more in the tank. Four-seamer plays true with some deception coming from the ease of delivery. Two-seamer flashed late darting arm-side action with occasional sink at 87-88. Worked primarily off his four-seam fastball, inducing a lot of weak contact. Curveball progressively got better, 11/5 shape with depth at 72-75, recording all four of his strikeouts with it. Didn’t need his changeup, but flashed a few in the low-80s, excellent feel with fastball arm action. Calm, confident demeanor on the mound, works with rhythm, efficiency and athleticism. Clean, uninterrupted arm swing out of a high-3/4 window, fast hand at foot strike with minimal head movement at release. Thoroughbed athlete. (Ran a 4.10 on a sacrifice bunt; starting quarterback in football) Three-pitch starter repertoire and delivery. Overall, Priester should establish himself as a high-level draft prospect in the 2019 class.