The Bard’s Take: 2017 MLB Draft - Kyle Wright

Name: Kyle Wright

Age: 21 (October 2, 1995)

Height: 6’ 4”

Weight: 220 lbs.

Position: RHP

Affiliation: Vanderbilt

In a draft class where college pitching is the featured strength, Kyle Wright is largely the consensus best college pitcher in the draft.

Grades: (Present/Future)

Fastball: 60/65 | Slider/Cutter: 55/60 | Curve: 55/60 | Changeup: 45/50 | Control: 50/55 | Overall: 60/70

The Scouting Report:

The third of the potential 1-1 picks in this season’s draft, Kyle Wright is the first pure pitcher. As a result, he is closer to reaching his polished form than the likes of prep star Hunter Greene or two-way college star, Brendan McKay. Early in the season, Wright took a bit of a stumble on draft boards, having not put together the breakout junior season many had hoped for. However, since the middle of April, he has quietly been nudging his way back to the top of many mock drafts. Over his last five starts, Wright has thrown 39.1 innings, struck out 51, walked 7, and posted a 1.44 ERA.

Wright works off of a 92-95 mph fastball that can peak at 97 when he needs it. He comes with a full mix of complementary pitches, including a curveball he loves to throw to get lefties out, and a cutter/slider that he uses to change eye level and get some swings and misses. His changeup is a relatively new addition to his arsenal. It is still a work in process, but most seem to think that with a bit of work it could be an average major league offering, giving him four useable pitches. His command still needs some work, he’ll still show some days where it is just not entirely there, but when it is, he is locked in and can pile up strikeouts in a hurry. His delivery is smooth and repeatable, with strong body control on the follow-through.

A somewhat inconsistent junior year and no clear read on the draft strategies of some of the first five teams (especially the Twins and Rays) make it difficult to peg where Wright will go. One thing strongly leaning in his favour is his durability and the lack of any late-season fade.

The Take:

Wright is a 1-1 talent that should make it to the majors in somewhat short order. He has real top-of-the-rotation potential and a high ceiling as an average MLB starter. For teams looking for a combination of surety and upside, Wright ranks among the very best, trailing only McKay due to a lack of impact bat and the inherent volatility of pitchers. If one or more teams selecting ahead of Arizona opt to employ the under-for-over draft strategy, it is not outside of the realm of possibility that Wright could fall as far as number seven. However, with Wright generally trending upwards on most boards, it is difficult to see that happening.

If he’s available at number seven, the Diamondbacks need to take him and thank their lucky stars.

Chances of Arizona winding up with Wright: Slim but non-zero