Number 84 on our countdown is TCU sophomore Nick Lodolo.
The left-handed pitcher was taken 41st overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2016 MLB Draft. He turned down $1.75 million to play for the Frogs.
He was ranked as the 78th best prospect in the country by Baseball America out of high school.
Lodolo was thrown into the fire immediately for TCU as he made 17 appearances and started 15 games. He posted an ERA of 4.35 in 78.2 innings pitched with 72 strikeouts. He allowed 76 hits and 28 walks for a 1.32 WHIP.
He received all kinds of honors after his freshman season, including being name a 2017 Baseball America 2nd-team Freshman All-American. Lodolo was also named to the 2nd-Team All-Big 12 Conference.
At 6-foot-6, 185 pounds he is a very lanky looking pitcher on the mound. He has a cross-body release, but otherwise it’s a pretty smooth delivery and he’s able to command his pitches.
His fastball sits in the upper 80’s and low 90’s. Lodolo also features a big, breaking curveball, which can be an effective pitch, but is sometimes left up and hanging in the zone.
There were a lot of expectations for Lodolo after turning down big money in the majors, and I think he had a solid first year in college.
He obviously still has a lot of work to do in order to refine his pitches. Scouts would love to see him increase his fastball velocity a tick or two as well.
Hopefully we see Lodolo take a big step forward this year and become the pitcher everyone is hoping he’ll be.
