Justin Campbell

The California native burst on the scene as a true freshman for the Cowboys in 2020. With the 2020 season shortened due to Covid, Campbell turned in an impressive sophomore campaign, posting a 2.57 ERA over 84 innings while striking out 102 batters and walking 27. After pitching with USA Baseball’s collegiate national team during the summer, expectations were high for Campbell this spring, pitching on an Oklahoma State team with Omaha potential. Campbell lived up to the hype and then some, topping his numbers from 2021 141 strikeouts in 101.1 innings, with once again a low walk total at just 25.. With his lanky, loose athleticism, Campbell’s delivery will remind some of Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. Efficient in his motion, the effortless, loose-armed righty releases the ball from a high, three-quarter slot producing life on a 90-93 mph fastball that can touch a 94 or 95 on occasion. The jump out of the hand with his fastball collects its fair share of swing and misses up in the zone and demonstrates late running action when Campbell attacks the outer rail to lefthanded hitters. Complementing Campbell’s fastball is his above average curveball with tight 1-to7 break. Typically in the 75-78 mph range, Campbell’s bender comes at any time in the count, as he can backdoor it as well as bury in the dirt to get the punchout. Campbell will also show the righthanded hitter an 80-82 mph slider, more or less to mess with the opponent to keep them from timing his curve. Topping off Campbell’s repertoire may perhaps be one of the best changeups in this year’s draft. With any plus changeup, Campbell sells it extremely well with fastball arm speed and maintains his slot. The late diving action that occurs prior to a fooled swing is just another element of the pitch that makes it near impossible to square up when executed. His overall command and feel for the craft, mixed in with his high-level competitive nature should move Campbell to the upper minor league levels rather quickly. His ability to adapt and adjust when need be allows him to project as a middle or back of the rotation starter.