INSIDE THE 2022 RANKINGS: LEFT-HANDED PITCHERS

#17 NICK BRONZINI - CALIFORNIA - ARIZONA COMMIT 

The top ranked 2022 left-handed pitcher passes the eye test with his 6-foot-3 220 pound projectable frame. Exhibits overall ease in his motion and release towards home. Fastball shows life and carry through the zone helping play up his 84-87 mph velocity reading. Traditional left-handed curveball at 63-65 mph possesses late bite and projects to be his best secondary option at the next level. Consistency and success will be key for this left-hander as he matures, with his size and easy feel on the mound oozing projection at the next level. 

#20 MIKAIH NEGRETE - ORANGE LUTHERAN - SAN DIEGO COMMIT 

Smooth left-hander showing vast improvement and making a case to become a central part of the Orange Lutheran pitching staff in his junior and senior seasons. Physically has more room for growth in his current 6-foot-1 190 pound frame and should see it sooner rather than later. Comfort level with a four-pitch mix shows well for him to remain a starter at the next level and gives him a solid platform to have tremendous high school success. Slider projects as a plus-pitch down the line as it is released from the same arm angle and arm speed as his fastball, breaking on an 11/5 plane at 76-78 mph. 

#26 CHRIS GROTHUES - SERVITE - UCLA COMMIT

The funky left-hander shows good feel and comfort on the mound. Command of this fastball highlights his pitchability as he is able to locate up-and-down and side-to-side at 81-85 mph. His ability to locate has enabled him to already see valuable Trinity League innings and expedite his development as a pitcher. Traditional left-handed 12/6 breaking curveball at 67-70 mph that he also possesses command of helps play up his fastball and garner quick outs. Mature control and feel for pitching help Grothues tremendously and with a velocity jump could make him the most statistically successful pitcher in the group. 

#28 BRAEDEN SLOAN - WOODCREEK - USC COMITT

Long and lanky left-hander at 6-foot-3 175 pounds that may end up throwing the hardest of the group down the line. Works quickly on the mound, hides the ball with a short arm swing and features a 12/6 curveball that has potential to cause havoc at the next level. Arm works quickly with an engaged lower half that features power and force towards home with an aggressive follow through. Arm speed and lower half feel show there is a lot more velocity to come.