Lucas Giolito

Giolito established himself as the nation's premier prep prospect long ago, and by the fall and winter of his senior year many scouts were clamoring that he could be the best high school righthander in draft history. He came out of the chute in December and January throwing 95-99 mph and showing off a long-toss regimen that "makes Trevor Bauer's long toss look like kid stuff," in the words of one scout. He pitched between 92-99 through February, sitting comfortably at 94-96. Then he sprained his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow in early March, ending his season and turning him into something of a wild card for the draft. Doctors worked with him on strengthening target areas during his rehabilitation, and he started throwing on flat ground by early May, with a plan to start throwing from 90 and 120 feet in the weeks leading up to the draft. The son of Hollywood actor/producer Rick Giolito, Lucas is expected to require a hefty bonus to sign him away from a commitment to UCLA, and a team will likely have to take him in the top 10 picks to have a chance to sign him under the new draft rules. His talent certainly merits that kind of investment; he has true No. 1 starter upside, with a premium fastball, a plus-plus curveball in the 82-86 range with depth and bite, and even a plus changeup at 82-84 that gives him a third swing-and-miss offering. Scouts are in love with his 6-foot-6 frame and easy delivery. He a tireless worker with a tenacious approach on the mound and a similar approach to his between-starts work. His injury may create a bit of risk, but the potential reward he offers is unparalleled in this draft.