2016 MLB Draft: Skylar Szynski, RHP, Penn HS, Indiana

The next in our line of high school right-handers is Skylar Szynski, from Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana.

The best prep prospect in the state of Indiana this year, Szynski has had his share of success at the high school level.  He pitched the Penn Kingsmen to the Indiana Class 4A State Championship as a junior, and needs just two more victories to repeat the feat this year.  Major League scouts have also seen him at top showcase events including the Area Code Games, East Coast Pro showcase and the World Wood Bat Association Championship.

MLB.com, Baseball America, and Keith Law all rank Szynski among the top-100 prospects for the upcoming draft.  Our very own cookiedabookie slots Szynski in at number 87 on his personal list.

Listed at 6-2, 210 pounds, Szynski already boasts a professional body.  He has broad shoulders, and an athletic build.  He is physically mature, but could still add some good weight in his lower half.

Szynski generates excellent arm speed fueled by good momentum as a result of his explosive lower half.  There is a slight arm wrap in the back of his delivery, but overall his arm action is smooth.  He delivers from a high three-quarters arm slot and maintains average balance despite some slight spine tilt at release.

In his most recent outing in Penn's Regional Championship game, he worked mostly from 88-92, but spiked as high as 96.  Reports from his showcase outings last summer indicate that he has the potential to sit in the low 90s as a pro.  He had pitched one inning of relief to earn a save in Penn's Regional Semi-Final game earlier in the day, which may explain the slightly lower velocity as the nightcap wore on.

His curve ball works in the mid-70s and has tight spin when he stays on top of the pitch.  He shows the ability to throw it for strikes.  The curve gives him a second pitch that projects to be at least above average.

Szynski's change up was little more than a rumor on this day.  He threw a few in his pre-game bullpen, but he did not feature the pitch during the game.  Like many high school flame-throwers, Szynski does not need the pitch to consistently retire opposing hitters in game action.  Video indicates he has enough feel for the change to project another average offering.

Even at 6-2, Szynski generates decent downhill plane, and commanded the ball well to his glove side with average life.  He occasionally flies off his front side which causes him to lose command on isolated pitches.  Overall, his athleticism allows him to repeat his compact delivery well, and he figures to grown into an average command profile.

While just shy of the truly elite high school arms in his class, Szynski is certainly there in discussion for the next tier.  As is the case with many northern high school arms, some teams may be concerned about Szynski's lack of polish and experience against high level competition.

A team that likes his potential as a mid-rotation starting pitcher could have him in consideration as high as the second round.  His college commitment is to Indiana University.

Video from the Area Code Games courtesy of Prospect Pipeline.

Video from his most recent outing on Saturday, June 4 in the Indiana State Tournament.