Michael Byrne

Byrne in 2017 was thrust into the closer's role for Florida and thrived. He had an All-American season as he led the nation with 19 saves and helped the Gators win the national championship. Byrne does not fit the typical closer's profile, however. His fastball sits 90-92 mph, but he does an exceptional job of spotting it and keep it down in the zone. His slider is his primary secondary pitch and he also has a changeup, but he rarely shows it in short stints. Byrne has excellent pitchability and a feel for his craft. Without plus stuff he has to be fine to succeed and he doesn't fit today's profile for a reliever, but after excelling over the last two years in the Southeastern Conference and in the Cape Cod League, he'll be given a chance to prove himself in pro ball.