Ryan Olson

Olson made a name for himself as a junior when he recorded all 20 of his outs in a game via strikeout, getting taken out before he had a chance to complete the game in favor of a senior on senior day. He performed well for USA Baseball's 18-and-under national team last year, posting a 0.75 ERA to help lead the team to its first gold medal in a world championship tournament since 1999. He got off to a good start this spring, retiring all four batters he faced (two with strikeouts) at the Southern California Invitational in Compton, where he touched 92 mph. Olson sits at 88-91, and his 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame and clean arm action offer projection. He throws from a three-quarters slot and has a herky-jerky delivery, adding deception. His fastball has good run, and scouts think it will become an above-average pitch as he matures. Olson has the makings of an average slider, though it flattens out when he gets underneath it. He also shows feel for a promising changeup with good arm speed and sink. He still needs to refine his command and control. Olson is a good student with a commitment to San Diego, but his upside could get him drafted in the fifth- to eighth-round range.