2017 MLB Draft: Blayne Enlow, RHP, St. Amant, Louisiana

Turning our attention back to the 2017 MLB Draft, let’s return to the ranks of high school pitchers with a look at right-hander Blayne Enlow from St. Amant, Louisiana. He is a potential first round pick on draft day.

THE BASICS

Enlow is a 6-4, 180 pound right-handed hitter and thrower, born March 21st, 1999. He is well-known on the showcase circuit, having participated in numerous events including the Area Code Games and the 18-and-under Pan American Championships last fall.

Strongly committed to Louisiana State University, Enlow is considered a potentially difficult sign, although not an impossible one if he is drafted where his talent warrants.

STRENGTHS

Enlow hit 94 MPH last summer but his velocity was down somewhat early this spring, in the 88-90 range, although in later outings he was back into the 92-93 territory with his fastball. He has a highly-projectable frame and could easily be 6-5, 200 in a couple of years. Most observers expect his velocity to increase as he matures and it isn’t hard to imagine him throwing consistent gas in the mid-90s a few years down the line.

As good as the fastball can be Enlow’s best pitch is actually his curveball, which is one of the best breaking pitches in the entire class, high school or college. The curveball has been too much for most prep hitters to handle and as a result he doesn’t use a straight change-up very often.

Enlow repeats his delivery well and has shown he can throw strikes with both of his key pitches. He’s responsive to coaching and should be able to improve his change-up with experience.

WEAKNESSES

As a high school pitcher injury risk is unavoidable, although scouts hope that Enlow’s repeatable delivery and overall athleticism will help him stay healthy. The change-up will need to be developed in pro ball but while the general consensus is that he’ll be able to refine the pitch with pro experience, it will take some time.

PROJECTION

Enlow projects as a mid-rotation starter, although he could be more than that if his fastball reaches its maximum potential and if the change-up develops into a plus pitch. He’s being mentioned as a late first round or supplemental round possibility on draft day and he’ll definitely need to be selected early due to the signability issues. College becomes increasingly likely if he gets too far past the top of the second round.

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