Jack Perkins

Perkins was a standout baseball and football player for Kokomo (Ind.) High, where he helped his team to a state championship on the gridiron. In high school, Perkins showed impressive arm strength with a fastball that was regularly in the mid 90s, as well as a hard slider that flashed above-average. Scouts mistrusted his control, however, and despite being selected by the Braves in the 39th round of the 2018 draft, he made his way to campus at Louisville. Perkins struggled with his control for two seasons (he missed 2020 due to injury) with Louisville but transferred to Indiana for his 2022 junior campaign. This spring he took a step forward with his strike throwing and started the entire year, posting a 5.10 ERA over 83 innings, with 91 strikeouts (23.1 K%) and 47 walks (11.9 BB%). While Perkins’ control is still questionable, his stuff is among the best in the Big Ten. He throws a fastball in the 92-94 mph range that has been up to 97, with a hard slider in the mid 80s and a cutter that averages around 90 mph. It’s an explosive pitch mix, though he will need to continue making strides with his delivery and command to make the most of it.