Helium Hopefuls: Prep Pitchers
January 19, 2023
Though they are already featured prominently on the DraftHQ Big Board, below is a look at 10 prep prospects who might rise even higher this spring, and each have all the tools necessary to get scouting departments buzzing by July.
On Jan. 4, @PBR DraftHQ released our first edition of its Big Board as the long march to the 2023 Draft is about to ignite. We also followed up the release of our board with a look at the potential candidates to hear their name selected first overall in the summer, as it stands now, as well as some insight into those journeying on the JUCO route who still look the part of MLB Draft prospects.
Today, we're continuing to look forward to the start of the season that's already just around the corner by breaking down a handful of prep pitchers with the kind of tool set it takes to leap into the first round following a strong spring season in front of pro scouts and crosscheckers across the country.
+ MLB Draft: Preseason 1:1 Potential
+ Top-10 JUCO Prospects
+ Helium Hopefuls: Prep Position Players
HELIUM HOPEFULS
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Cameron Johnson LHP / 1B / IMG Academy, FL / 2023There are a number of “cleaner” deliveries in the class, and while some may differ in Johnson’s future potential as a starter, his ability to get whiffs in the zone with multiple pitches is undeniable. An outlier in frame and slot, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound southpaw utilizes a flatter vertical approach angle that distorts pitch recognition, especially to left-handed hitters, and raises his already premium arsenal that includes a mid 90s fastball and sweeping slider. Already ranked in the Top 10 of the prep class, the LSU recruit is a bit of a stretch to be considered a “helium candidate” except when thinking about his potential to push into the top 15 picks. A move from his native Maryland to Florida (IMG Academy) will provide significantly more opportunities for the scouting community to see him, and the ability for the uber-talented arm to quell any concerns while raising his stock.
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