Johnny Barbato

Barbato played on a team coached by his father that wasn't competitive in South Florida's tough high school 6-A ranks. He didn't bolt the program for a private school in the area and still showed one of the state's better arms despite not having much help in the field. While Luke Jackson has better present stuff, Barbato could have a higher ceiling because he does it easier, repeats his delivery and throws more strikes. His stuff isn't that far behind, either. Barbato has a loose arm and solid 6-foot-2, 185-pound body that allows him to produce fastballs that have reached 95 mph, after topping out at 92 last year. Barbato's delivery is sound and repeatable, and he throws an average curveball with good shape and plus potential. He's a Florida recruit, and the Gators have done well holding onto top prospects under third-year coach Kevin O'Sullivan. Signability will determine whether Barbato goes out in the first four rounds or winds up in college.