Cy Nielson

After walking almost a batter an inning in 2021, Nielson demonstrated dramatically improved control this year. He piled up a sparkling 45-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 33.2 innings out of the Cougars’ bullpen. He’s also pitched quite effectively in the Cape Cod League this summer. Nielson is a multi-inning reliever with a big, sweepy mid-80s slider to go with his low-90s fastball. He’s flashed more velocity in the past, and if he can add a couple of ticks, he has the makings of a pair of above-average pitches. The days of the lefty specialist are behind us because of rules requiring pitchers to face three or more batters, but Nielson is especially effective against lefties. He held them to a .160/.192/.380 slash line this year at BYU.