Prep Baseball Report

2024 MLB Draft: The Nasty Boys of the 90th Percentile


David Seifert
Director of College Scouting


WHIFF LEADERS: 
Whiff Rate = Total swing and misses / Total swings


This past season L.P. Langevin (Louisiana) had a Division I leading 45.4% Whiff Rate on his fastball that enabled him to strike out 106 batters in 62.2 innings. Finishing just behind him were Drake Frize (San Diego) and Hagen Smith (Arkansas) at 43.4% and 42.5%, respectively. Frize struck out 39 in 22 innings, Smith 161 in 84.

Isaiah Williams (Jackson State) led the change-of-pacers at 61.2%. He was closely followed by freshman right-hander Isaiah Magdaleno (Hawaii) at 59.4% and Jackson Emus (Duke) – 58.2%.

The single greatest whiff ball was spun by Washington State’s Chase Grillo with a 73.3% whiff rate on his slider. Joe Allen (Clemson) was second at 71.1% and Tony Rossi (Charlotte) third – 68.6%. Those three offerings were the most untouchable pitches in college baseball based on a 100 pitch minimum.

Potential first-rounders in this summer’s draft who can spin to win their sliders included Chase Burns (Wake Forest) – 62.6%, Trey Yesavage (East Carolina) – 58.2% slasher and Chris Cortez (Texas A&M) – 57.6%.

Dartmouth’s Marco Dumsky registered a 67.4% Whiff Rate on his curveball. Carson Benge (Oklahoma State) at 65.6% was second and Chase Burns close behind at 60%. Finishing fourth and fifth respectively, were Day One prospects Ben Hess (Alabama) – 57.6% and Tyson Neighbors (Kansas State) – 57.4%


And now, The Nasty Boys.

Sticking to the elite, here are the six pitchers in Division I Baseball that had THREE pitches in the 90th percentile of Whiff% this season.


Chase Burns, Junior, RHP, Wake Forest

-Slider 62.6%
-Curve 60.0%
-Fastball 35.4%

Slam dunk first rounder who will most likely be chosen within the top six overall picks.


Trey Yesavage, Junior, RHP, East Carolina

-Slider 58.2%
-Changeup 56.6%
-Cutter 59.7%

Another slam dunk first-rounder. Yesavage will most likely be selected around pick No. 15 overall.


Carson Benge, Junior, RHP, Oklahoma State

-Curve 65.6%
-Slider 64.3%
 -Changeup 55.9%

Two-way prospect who is a likely first-rounder as a hitter/outfielder. Also touches 96 with his fastball.


Zach Davidson, Senior, LHP, Indiana State

-Curve 56.0%
-Slider 53.8%
 -Fastball 29.0%

Under the radar college performer, finished the season 5-2 with a 2.56 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 56.1 innings. Averaged 90.3 mph on his fastball this past season. Likely Day Three draft pick.

 

Victor Quinn, Junior, RHP, Missouri

 -Curve 63.6%
-Cutter 50.0%
-Fastball 29.2%

Pitched just 15.1 innings for the Tigers this season, averaging 94 mph on his fastball, but struggled with his control – 18 walks.


Tyler Hampu, Senior, RHP, Austin Peay

-Slider 63.2%
-Changeup 51.2%
-Fastball 27.8%

Struckout 57 in 29 innings this season for the Govs and averaged 94.3 mph on his fastball this season. However, Hampu will need to polish up his control – walked 30 in 29 innings. Likely Day Three draft pick.

*Data provided by 6-4-3 Charts, LLC