Maddux
Bruns

LHP Maddux Bruns (2021, Mississippi State) made his first area start on Thursday night against Satsuma in front of tons of MLB scouts in attendance. Bruns, who has one of the highest ceilings in this year’s draft, allowed two runs, one of which was earned, in the 1st inning before settling in and mowing down the Gator’s lineup for the next four frames. We’ve seen the fastball reach into the upper 90’s this spring, but pitched more 90-93, 95 mph (2200-2300 rpm) in this outing for the Bulldogs. He was able to hold this velocity throughout his outing thanks to a durable, 6-2, 205 pound frame that projects to as a starter. Although he may not have needed it, Bruns flipped in a 71-72 mph (2650-2800 rpm) 12/6 breaking ball the second and third times through the order after attacking hitters with the fastball in the first few innings. Showing elite spin, the talented southpaw spun the breaking ball for strikes and hitters had a difficult time picking up the pitch. Along with the FB/BB combo, Bruns flashed a few above average changeups to right-handed hitters at 81-82 mph that showed fade & swing and miss capability. After laboring through the 1st, Bruns hit his stride after that inning, as he punched out 8/9 hitters at one point during the outing. He was credited with the win and finished striking out 12 hitters, walked four, and allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit (bunt single) over five innings. He was pulled after 82 pitches, 50 of which were strikes. Continues to cement his status as one of the top prep prospects for this summer’s MLB Draft.

LHP Maddux Bruns was relatively sharp in most aspects during his 2nd start of the 2021 season. At 6-2, 215 pounds with a strong lower-half, Bruns bumped up another tick in velocity after hitting 98 mph last weekend. The southpaw worked primarily 95-97 mph throughout his first two innings, and hit 99 mph on the last pitch of his second inning. Continued to show a two breaking ball mix, one being a 12/6 breaking ball and the other a slider with tight spin and hard action. Cruised through the first two innings, but walked the first two hitters in the third inning and allowed a double to the next hitter. He bounced back strong in the fourth inning, striking out two hitters in a clean inning. Bruns earned the win on the mound in four innings, and punched out six while allowing three earned runs on three hits and two walks.

'21 LHP Maddux Bruns (Mississippi State) made his first start of his senior season against Faith Academy and was virtually unhittable for four innings of work. The senior southpaw continued to show elite status in terms of velocity, as he opened up in the first two innings working 95-97, 98 mph with effective command. Paired that with a sharp, late 12/6 breaking curveball that was thrown for strikes in the outing, and induced many swings and misses. Flashed a few tight sliders with the ability to go backdoor to right-handed hitters. The Mississippi State signee just overpowered hitters with his premium stuff for four innings. He finished with 11 strikeouts over four innings, while allowing no runs or hits and walking only one in this outing. Just dominant stuff from Bruns in his first outing of the 2021 season.

A Mississippi State recruit, Bruns has seen an increase in velocity this spring to match an already advanced breaking ball. He can command both sides of the plate with the fastball at 90-92 with easy, repeatable mechanics. The fastball seems to really take off late. The 6-foot-2 205-pound southpaw shows big-time arm-side action, which makes him very dangerous against left-handed hitters, as he also features a breaking ball that shows legit depth very late.