Sebastian
Gongora

This past fall the Wright State transfer pushed his fastball into the mid-90s, a few ticks more than his 2023 season average of 90 mph. This increase came after an average of 88 mph during his 2022 season and the scouting buzz was on for Gongora becoming the next top round pick and Friday night ACC ace for the Cardinals. It hasn’t been the smoothest of sailing so far this spring for the 6-foot-5, 240-pound lefthander, but he has posted strong strikeout totals with 57 (26.8% K rate) in 48 innings, while walking just 17 (8.0% BB rate). Both are improvements from 2023 in the Horizon League with marks of 22.4% and 8.3%, respectively. On Friday against Virginia, Gongora touched 93 with his fastball, while mostly sitting 90-91. He also showed a hard curve in the upper-70s, a slider/cutter at 84 and a similar velocity changeup which was his primary secondary offering. He could not consistently find his otherwise reliable curve ball, normally at least an average pitch and although he did throw his fastball for a strike 69% of the time, it was often elevated and center cut. He was roughed up for six earned runs on seven hits in five innings. Entering the season as a potential top five round prospect, Gongora has slid a bit, but should remain in consideration for the later rounds of Day Two.

Last spring the 6-foot-5 lefty sat 88-92 while showing average feel for his secondaries and the strike zone (31 BB in 83 IP). This fall, Gongora has upped his velocity consistently into the low-90s, while touching 95. His changeup is more advanced than his breaking ball, but both can slow bats down and keep hitters off balance. He does lack a put away pitch at this time, but overall it’s his plus pitchability that produces outs. Currently, it’s a top five round profile for next summer’s draft.

Body Type: Thin, athletic build with long levers. 6-foot-4, 185-pound with endless projection left.  
Mechanical/Delivery Notes: Throws from a ¾ arm slot. Has an upright trunk position with good posture throughout delivery.
Fastball: 80-84 mph fastball with a good downward plane. Showed some slight fade to the arm side.
Curveball: Big 12/6 type curve with good depth. True overhand curveball with tight spin. Good pitch to steal strikes and freeze hitters.
Changeup: 73-74 mph changeup that showed nice fade to the arm side. Also, his best changeups had promising depth that could lead to it becoming a pitch that creates swings and misses.
Pitchability: Showed good command of all three of his pitches to both sides of the plate. Really filled up the zone aggressively.
Role: Command of all his pitches and being a LHP makes him a starter type. Could really elevate himself by developing a harder, slider type breaking ball to compliment his big 12/6 curve.

Body Type: 6-foot-4, 185-pound with endless projection left.
Swing Mechanics: Very fluid loading sequence, an easy back load with hands during leg kick timing trigger.
Hit: Combination of barrel rhythm and loose hands create very early bat speed, natural plane, and authoritative whip through the zone. Finds the barrel often and can use the entire field. Top BP performer for the Prospects.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity. Long-lever lefty that offers well above average speed and strength to hands. All fields pop with loft power to pull. Impressive combination of pop and feel. Smooth stroke that generates effortless pop.
Offensive Projection: Run Producer
Run: 7.25 60-yard dash.
Field: Showed off a well above average skill set at 1B. Athletic enough with a big arm that could make corner outfield an option as well.
Throw: 78 mph across the diamond. Clean arm with above average arm strength. Arm is elite for the first base position.
Defensive Projection: Corner OF/1B
Additional Comments: Legit two-way talent. L/L guy with length at 6-foot-4. Fastball up to 84 mph with easy juice at the plate. High follow with D1 potential.

A left-handed hitter that starts in a tall, open stance. Very fluid load that creates balance and regular timing. Path is level with feel for the barrel. Barrel has some whip through the zone. High upside bat with much more to come as he fills out. Very efficient stroke with the ability to square the ball up to both side of the field. Corner type in the outfield. Easy, fluid actions maintaining control throughout process. Ball skills are on par for class. Arm strength would be area for improvement. On the mound the lanky southpaw uses a slower tempo pace to a delivery that that requires some effort. Definite upside with physical maturity. Uses a big glove side action before working through an over the top slot. Does a nice job working on two planes with the fastball that really works downhill. Fastball has heavy arm side movement while generating swing and misses at 81-83 mph. Curveball has near 12/6 shape while being a big late breaker with depth. Shows feel for this pitch and ability to throw for a strike. Shows potential to be a put away pitch. 

Home to 1st: 4.59
Outfield Velocity: 76
Exit Velocity: 90