Clate Schmidt

Diagnosed with nodular sclerosis, a form of Hodgkin's lymphoma, last May, Schmidt bravely fought cancer and was given a clean bill of health months later in September. He was drafted in the 32nd round by the Red Sox last June on the day of his first chemotherapy session. Schmidt opted to return to school, where he's had an up-and-down spring. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound righthander made a mechanical change late in the season to create more rotational movement in his delivery, and the result was a few more ticks on his fastball, which has hovered around 90 mph and consistently touched 92 mph late in the spring. His best offspeed offering is an above-average low 80's changeup with split-like diving action, and he also throws a fringy mid-80s slider. Schmidt has plus-plus makeup, having gone through the health issues he faced. His younger brother, Clarke Schmidt, is the Friday ace for South Carolina and is one of the top college arms in the 2017 class.