2018 MLB Draft: Cole Winn, RHP, Orange, California

Continuing our coverage of the 2018 MLB Draft, let’s look at another highly-promising high school pitcher: Cole Winn from Orange Lutheran High School in California.

Winn is originally from Colorado but moved to California for his senior year to face better competition and increase his exposure in front of scouts. This has worked out beautifully, as Winn has emerged from the pack and may be the first high school right-hander off the board.

Listed at 6-2, 190, Winn was born November 25th, 1999. He has everything you want in a young pitcher, starting with a 92-94 MPH fastball that will top at 95-96. Even at the lower velocities the fastball plays up due to his command and the contrast with his secondary arsenal.

His breaking ball was rather slurvy last year but he’s refined this into a curveball and slider that are distinct from each other. Both flash plus. There’s a change-up, too, not really needed against high school competition but it works when he uses it and should develop into at least an average pitch in the majors.

Winn is quite athletic and repeats his delivery consistently, which means his command also projects well at the higher levels. Makeup is another positive and he has mound presence unusual for a pitcher his age.

As for college, Winn is committed to Mississippi State University but is said to be signable if drafted where his talent warrants. As for where that is exactly, he was viewed as a late first round or supplemental round talent six months ago. His excellent spring has pushed him up the lists, with his combination of stuff and polish making him a strong candidate for the top ten.

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