Tyler Baum

One of three exciting North Carolina starters, Baum has stood out as the best in a rotation filled with potential draft picks. A 6-foot-2, 175-pound righthander, Baum lacks the ideal size and arm action of a durable starter at the next level, but his pure stuff has long been exciting and he’s improved his control as a junior. In 2018, Baum walked 4.43 batters per nine innings, but he’s cut his walk rate to 2.63 walks per nine through his first nine starts in 2019. Baum’s best offering is a plus fastball that’s regularly in the 91-94 mph range but can get up into the upper 90s at times. He has a 79-81 mph breaking ball that has tight, 11-to-5 shape and an 81-85 mph changeup that has some fading life with solid arm speed. Both of his secondaries could become average offerings, though some scouts believe he’s more of a two-pitch guy who would be better suited for a bullpen role.