Justin Valdespina

Valdespina had Tommy John surgery during his senior year of high school and missed all of his freshman year. He accumulated just 26 innings as a sophomore, then took off as a junior this spring, striking out 91 and walking just 22 over 81 innings. He has a live arm, and his fastball can reach 94 early in games, though it tapers off to the 88-92 range as he tires out. His best offspeed pitch is his curveball, which shows sharp spin at times. Scouts haven't seen it consistently compete in the strike zone; at the Division II level, hitters expand the strike zone often, and pitchers can get outs without risking throwing the ball over the plate. Valdespina will need to work on the timing of his lower half at the next level, and could end up in the bullpen long term.