Derek Diamond

A 40th-round pick of the D-backs out of high school, Diamond is a truly puzzling draft decision for teams. At his best at Ole Miss, he’s looked like a second/third round pick with a 92-97 mph fastball and a plus low-80s slider to go with excellent athleticism. This year, he sat at 89-92 mph and a lighter, less-impressive slider. The results matched the lighter stuff. Diamond posted a 6.89 ERA and didn’t pitch in Omaha at all, although he did warm up in the bullpen.Diamond does have above-average control, and he has plenty of competitiveness to go with his athleticism. A team who saw him good in 2021 may still be willing to take a chance on Diamond, but the way he struggled in 2022, it’s going to be hard to make a case for him any earlier than late on day two of the draft.