Connor
Oliver

Beginning his college career at Wichita State in 2019-2020, the PBR ranked No. 7 JUCO prospect for the 2021 Draft priced himself out and headed to Ft Worth. His difference maker is an above average, mid-70s curveball and he will also pump his fastball in the 90-93 range with good control of both pitches. Last season at Wabash Valley, the 6-foot-3, athletic bodied lefty punched out 92 in 57.2 IP and posted a 1.87 ERA.

2021 MLB Draft: A TCU recruit, Oliver is a bounceback from Wichita State, who spent one season at Wabash Valley where he struck out 92 in 57.2 innings, while allowing just 31 hits and a 1.87 ERA. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound lefty works with a 90-93 fastball (2000-2200 rpm) and an above average curveball as his main two pitches in his arsenal. His upper-70s curve has big league shape and velo, but could use more teeth to its finish. With average spin rates, it can miss bats at times, but projects more as a groundball pitch at the pro level. His changeup works in the 82-84 mph range with low spin (1500s). Oliver will also mix in an 82-83 mph slider with good tilt and he can flash an 84-86 mph cutter. He has a loose and on-line delivery. He pitches to both sides of the plate with a heavy fastball when down in the zone. With a shoulder tilt delivery and high slot, Oliver has good down plane to the plate while showing clean arm action with a full arm path. He shows no red flags in his delivery, other than some needed polish to the consistency of his direction to the plate.

Ranged from 88-92 with his FB, touching 93 two times in 4+ IP. Spin rates 2068-2296 rpm. Above avg curve 76-78. Big League shape and velo. Could use some more teeth to finish, but currently a solid pitch with 2200-2300 that should only get better with time. Also mixed in 82-83 SL with good tilt and flashed an 84-86 mph cutter. Loose and on-line delivery. Avg athlete. Day Two selection for me based on fall Scout Day and this look combined.

The Wichita State transfer put on a show with a dazzling curveball and a fastball up to 93. His tight breaker was a bat misser at 80-81 mph. It’s a late-action banger that graded consistently above average, while flashing plus. He pitched to both sides of the plate with a heavy fastball when down in the zone at 90-93 mph. His changeup is a developing third pitch at 84 mph. With a shoulder tilt delivery and high slot, Oliver has good down plane to the plate while showing clean arm action with a full arm path. He showed no red flags in his delivery, other than some needed polish to the consistency of his direction to the plate. From my perspective Oliver is the top pitching prospect on a staff with many.

3.16.18 - Wichita St. commit. Currently ranked No. 94 in Illinois’ Class of 2019. 6-foot-1, 190-pound, lean muscle, athletic, left-handed pitcher. Over-the-top arm slot, loose, athletic arm action. Slow, methodical delivery, high leg kick, hangs stride leg before breaking back leg, creates some deception. Fastball, slot creates tilt, kept low in the zone, featured run and sink action, 85-87 mph. Changeup, used sparingly, fade and sink actions. Curveball, go-to pitch in any count, shape varied between 12/6 and 1/7, depth and bite, 70-73. Consistent in keeping same slot and arm speed with fastball and curveball. Pitched in some discomfort against O’Fallon after injuring right shoulder in top of first sliding into second. In 2.1 IP, did not have a ball put in play against, struck out seven while walking four, struck out the first four batters of the game, three on CBs.

2.1.18 - Verbally committed to Wichita State.

3.18.17 - 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed pitcher with a thin, lanky frame. Long, loose arm action from an over the top slot. Tall and fall delivery with easy effort. Fastball worked 78-80 mph. Slider has more curveball shape with depth at 68-69 mph.