Tony Locey

As a senior in high school, Locey helped pitch Warner Robins High to a state title. He had plenty of help, as Orioles lefthander DL Hall was also on the pitching staff and the lineup included future Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. At Georgia, Locey’s inconsistent slider and below-average control kept him from taking on a larger role in his first two years in Athens. But he moved into the Sunday role as a junior, and he pitched well enough that when Emerson Hancock was sidelined, he became the Friday night starter. Locey reached double digits in strikeouts in four different starts this year. He allowed two earned runs or less in 12 of his first 14 games. Locey’s plus fastball sits at 92-95 mph and will touch 96-98 mph. He can carry that velocity deep into games. Locey’s slider is hard, sharp and short with late break, although he does still lose the feel for it at times, which means it flashes plus more than it’s consistently earning those grades. Scouts worry that it’s too often a chase pitch and will need to see him prove he can locate for strikes in pro ball. He also throws a get-me-over curveball that’s a fringy, early-count pitch, but it can be effective because hitters are geared up for his high-velocity fastball. Locey has improved to show average control this year. There’s plenty of debate over whether Locey has any shot to remain a starter in pro ball despite an excellent 2019 season, but even those who think he can’t start look at his fastball and slider and see a potential late-inning reliever with dominating stuff.