Justin Slaten

The 6-foot-4 Slaten has thrived in the Friday night role with the Lobos after a rocky sophomore year, posting a 2.72 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 34 walks in 76 innings as a junior. He mostly uses a two-pitch mix, starting with a low-90s fastball that touches 95 mph, but his fastball command can waver at times. Slaten’s best secondary pitch is an average to tick above-average slider in the 79-83 mph range. His curveball has good shape, and he has a below-average changeup. Slaten delivers his pitches from an upright, high three-quarter delivery that features some funkiness and deception. Although he’ll likely begin his career as a starter, Slaten fits the profile of a reliever in pro ball, where he’ll be able to further refine his fastball/slider combination. Slaten could be drafted early on Day 2.