Michael Mercado

Mercado was a late-riser in a deep southern California class and became a prime attraction by April. Lanky and projectable at 6-foot-5, 165 pounds, Mercado saw his velocity shoot up and he began sitting 90-91 mph and touching 94 in the spring. He also showcased a groundball-inducing two-seamer at 88 mph, a curveball that flashed plus and an above-average cutter. Where Mercado stands out most is his ability to command his four-pitch arsenal in a way that is rare for a prep. He spots his fastball at will, can manipulate the shape and power of his curveball and is smart enough to rely on his two-seamer for quick groundouts when he isn't feeling his best. Mercado's top-flight combination of size, stuff, and feel to pitch have catapulted him into supplemental first-round consideration. He is committed to Stanford and expected to be a costly sign.