Jack
Leftwich

2021 MLB Draft: After a slow start last spring and seeing his draft value slide a bit, Leftwich went undrafted and returned to Gainesville for his fourth year. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder was a projected top-three-round pick this preseason as he has flashed high-end stuff throughout his career, but the results haven’t quite matched the talent. He’s known to struggle at times with the ability to pitch himself out of jams and that was again apparent. His fastball sits 92-95 and he mixes in a high-80s changeup and low-80s slider. On the season, he tossed 69.2 innings, going 7-4 with a 3.36 ERA, 78 strikeouts and 22 walks.

After a slow start last spring and seeing his draft value slide a bit, Leftwich went undrafted last June and returned to Gainesville for his fourth year. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder was a projected top three round pick this preseason as he has flashed high-end stuff throughout his career, but the results haven’t quite matched the talent. He’s known to struggle at times with the ability to pitch himself out of jams and that was again apparent during his brief relief appearance against Tennessee, taking the ball with a 3-0 lead and runners on first and second. Leftwich walked both batters he faced on eight pitches, the second walk forced in a run. His fastball sat 92-95 and he also threw one 87 mph changeup and one 81 mph slider. For the season the 6-foot-4, 210-pound right-hander has thrown 39.2 innings, allowing 25 hits while walking 16 and striking out 38.

After a slow start and seeing his draft value slide a bit in 2020, Leftwich went undrafted this past June and will return with teammates Tommy Mace and Hunter Barko to anchor what looks to be a exceptional weekend rotation for the Gators. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder, has a sturdy build and average athleticism on the mound. He utilizes a high-three quarters slot to drive downhill with his on-line stride to the plate. Leftwich’s fastball ranged from 91-93 mph in the Cape Cod League last summer, while the offering sat more 91-95 mph (2200-2300 rpm spin rate) through four starts with the Gators this spring. Leftwich can get around the fastball for some arm-side run, which he commanded very well this spring, but overall the fastball plays average. The slider was much improved, albeit slower than previous looks, at 79-82 mph, but with more movement (both sweep and depth). He showed above average command of that pitch as well. Ultimately, Leftwich’s future hinges on his ability to develop a third pitch – his straight changeup. The changeup has shown potential at times, sitting 82-84 mph last summer with some ability to get swings and misses, but is overall a below average pitch. He also lost some command of the changeup this spring. Leftwich has a huge upside with a good, physical frame, a fastball up to 95 and a good slider. Now, we’ll see if he can get the changeup in order to boost his value in the upcoming draft.

2020 DRAFT:The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder, has a sturdy build and average athleticism on the mound. He utilizes a high-three quarters slot to drive downhill with his on-line stride to the plate. Leftwich's fastball ranged from 91-93 mph in the Cape Cod League last summer, while the offering sat more 91-95 mph (2200-2300 rpm spin rate) through four starts with the Gators this spring. Leftwich can get around the fastball for some arm-side run, which he commanded very well this spring, but overall the fastball plays average. The slider was much improved, albeit slower than previous looks, at 79-82 mph, but with more movement (both sweep and depth). He showed above average command of that pitch as well. Ultimately, Leftwich's future hinges on his ability to develop a third pitch – his straight changeup. The changeup has shown potential at times, sitting 82-84 mph last summer with some ability to get swings and misses, but is overall a below average pitch. He also lost some command of the changeup this spring. Leftwich has a huge upside with a good, physical frame, a fastball up to 95 and a good slider. Now, we'll see if he can get the changeup in order to boost his value in the upcoming draft, while a return to Gainesville for a redo of his junior season is not out of the question.

8/14/19:At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Leftwich boasts a sturdy build and average athleticism on the mound, utilizing a high-three-quarters slot to drive downhill with his on-line stride to the plate. The fastball consistently worked 91-to-93 mph early in his starts before dropping down to the 89-to-91 mph range a couple innings in. Leftwich can get arm-side action on the heater, but with limited bore. His best offering at present is an above-average low-80s slider that should be a plus pitch at maturity. He uses the offering aggressively in and out of the zone and is comfortable throwing it in any count and particularly early on. His offspeed is an 82-to-83 mph straight change that is most effective as a chase pitch. He shows enough feel for the offering to project as a future average pitch, though a slightly broader velocity delta would help offset the pitch’s lack of dive. A good strike thrower, Leftwich was more control over command this summer with good but not overpowering stuff. He looks the part of a late-Day One or early-Day Two target and there’s room to tighten the arsenal – particularly the fastball and changeup – and solidify a top two round profile between now and next June. (Faleris)

2/27/18:At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, he has an athletic frame with strength throughout. A very simple delivery; repeatable and looks to be durable. Mechanically sound; lands on-line, throws from 3/4 slot and works with minimal effort. Pounded the zone with a heavy fastball, working 93-95 topping at 97 mph. Consistently created swing and misses. He also showed a feel for a hard, late breaking, two-plane slider at 79-81 and a fading changeup at 83-85 mph. High follow for 2020 draft. (Freeman)

10/23/16- Florida recruit. Was very impressive in both outings during the week. In the second outing he went five innings while striking out 4 and allowed zero hits. His fastball ranged from 90-91, slider at 78-80 and changeup at 80-82 mph. He has the ability to throw all three pitches and works down in the zone to both sides of the plate. The stuff along with advanced pitchability make him one of the top arms in the 2017 class.

10/16/16- Florida recruit. Stands at 6-foot-3, 225 with a strong, solid build. Throws out of the high 3/4 arm slot with loose, clean, easy arm action and repeats well. Fastball sat 90-91 mph with run, touching 92 a few times while also displaying a slider that was 79-81 mph that showed depth and tight spin. Also threw a change up that sat 83-84 mph. Works quickly and efficiently, goes after the batter. Stays poised on the mound. Struck out three in his two innings of work.

7/6/16- Committed to University of Florida.

6/27/16- 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and has noticeably gotten more physical while still remaining flexible and getting good extension. Leftwich’s fastball was 87-91 mph touching a 93 with late life and more to come as it was with little effort and loose arm action. The slider was equally as impressive, ranging from 77-78 mph, it had tight spin and depth that he threw for a strike as well as throwing it for a strikeout pitch.

6/4/16- Wake Forest recruit. Currently ranked No. 70 in the Florida 2017 class, No. 231 overall. Strong, solid, durable build on a 6-foot-3, 225 pound frame. Has added about 10-15 pounds of muscle since we last saw him. Live arm out of the high ¾ arm slot throwing on a downward tilt. Repeats well and stays on line. Threw a heavy fastball with good movement and tailing action that sat 87-89 mph and touched 90 mph a couple times. Keeps the ball low in the zone. Slider sat 78-81 mph with depth. Strong follow this summer.

4/8/16- Committed to Wake Forest.

1/16/16 - Tall thick strong body with a loose live arm at a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball was 87-88 mph with life. Curveball was a downer with some depth at 74-75 mph. Changeup 76-77 mph. Occasionally slows down to throw it.

8/29/15- Sat 83-85 FB during the game. Bumped an 86. Strong for his age.  Showed a good mix of a CH and CB. Worked quickly and efficiently.  Repeats well.

6/14/15- 6-foot-3 205 pounds with a tall and projectable body with thicker legs. He has a simple, consistent delivery and everything stays in line. Easy delivery and a long, loose arm action. Over the top arm slot. 84-86 mph FB and 71 mph CB.