Nick
Wells

A College of Charleston recruit, Wells is listed at 6-foot-5, 180 pounds, but looks like he’s filled out some since that weight was recorded. He’s still tall and skinny with room to add even more strength. He pitched a complete game Wednesday night, allowing one run on seven hits and a walk while striking out 12. His delivery is in line with the plate with a slight crouch and he pitches from a high three-quarter slot. He has good arm speed and a naturally long stride thanks to his height and long legs. His delivery is relatively easy, though there is some violence in his head.

Wells’ fastball sat 86-89 for the whole game and he touched 90 several times, bumping 91 once early. His fastball has occasional life to his arm side and has the makings of being a plus pitch if he can consistently find that life and command it better. His ability to spin a curveball points to added velocity down the road. His breaking ball sits in the low 70s now with tight spin, though his arm doesn’t always catch up to his body, leaving the pitch hanging at times. Its shape varied, but the pitch was at its best when he threw it to the back foot of right-handed hitters, biting down and in with 1-to-7 action.

One scout told me Wells was a potential top-three round pick earlier in the year, but he has since cooled off. No matter which way you slice it, a 6-foot-5 southpaw that can spin a curveball is attractive and Wells simply adds to an already strong class of Virginia draft prospects.