Christian
Scott

2021 MLB Draft: Scott turned in a strong season as a reliever, sporting a 3.00 ERA in 54 innings over 26 appearances while striking out 51 and walking just nine. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound righty can work in the 93-95 range while working in low-80s sliders and an 85-87 cutter. They are similar, but the slider has more angle, depth and movement. With a durable frame, repeatable delivery and good arm action, as well a developing changeup, Scott has many traits to give him a chance to start in pro ball.

With a strong start to his season (2-2. 1.69 ERA, 37.1 IP, 26 H, 5 BB. 34 SO) the 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-hander has been climbing draft boards with the current buzz around the 4th-5th rounds. Against Tennessee the third-year sophomore made two appearances in the three-game set. On Friday his stuff was flat and off-location as he hit bats. The harder he threw it, the harder the Vols hit it. He was pegged with the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in two innings pitched. However, Scott bounced back and earned the W on Sunday, allowing just one hit over 4.2 innings and striking out six. In both games he worked his fastball in the 93-95 mph range (2150-2250 rpm spin rate), but on average he threw with a half-tick higher velo on Sunday. He also tightened his breaking balls and mixed more low-80s sliders with his 85-87 mph cutter (2500-2600 rpm), as opposed to going mainly cutter on Friday. The pitches are very similar, but the slider has more angle/depth and movement. He also did a better job of locating the pitch down and away from his arm side. With a durable body type, a repeatable delivery, good arm action and a developing changeup (threw two in the low-80s) Scott has many traits that give him a chance to start at the pro level. In that regard he is similar to past Gators Dane Dunning and Shaun Anderson who were used mainly out of the bullpen during their junior draft season of 2016, but have been used mostly in starting roles during their pro career to date.

Florida recruit. Still, long lanky and thin, but has added muscle to the frame. Works from a high 3/4 arm slot with a full arm action. Command was scattered early and breaking ball wasn’t sharp. Made an adjustment in the third, ball had more life in the zone, was up to 93 and struck out the side. Curveball was also better. More slider/slurvy shape at 70-73. When extended, it is tight, with some late bite. Also threw and occasional changeup early at 76 mph. Projection in the frame and arm action, curveball could turn to more of a slider with harder and later action. High follow.

Florida recruit. Lean, athletic, projectable build on a 6-foot-3, 165-pound build with athleticism. Clean, loose, easy, quick arm out of the ¾ arm slot in which he featured a fastball that sat 88-90 mph with some run touching 91 along with a 70-71 mph change up in his inning of work. Shows good poise and works quickly. Plenty of room to fill out and with added strength will become more consistent with his velocity and allow for a more durable frame.

Florida recruit. Lean, live, projectable body with long limbs on a 6-foot-3, 165 pound frame. Throws out of the ¾ arm slot with a high front leg kick which he swings back a little before he delivers. Stays balanced and repeats well. Gets good extension out in front and lands on line most of the time, can fall off to the side after he delivers. Works quickly and efficiently by pounding the zone and throwing strikes. Fastball sat 86-88 mph, touching 89 with life along with a 69-71 mph curveball that had a ¾ break. Mixed up his pitches well and got in a good groove during the game in which he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against a strong lineup. Competes and shows athleticism.