• Full name Michael Heller
  • Born 04/25/1991 in Bradenton, FL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 188 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Miami Dade CC
  • Drafted in the 29th round (865th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009.
    View Draft Report
    Florida signed Heller--one of four Aflac All-Americans in the recruiting class, joining Austin Maddox, LeVon Washington and Michael Zunino--as an infielder/righthander, and his power and balanced swing would make him an effective two-way player in college. Pro scouts like him for his arm, though, which plays at shortstop but plays much better on the mound. Heller has one of the best arms in Florida, and he's perhaps the best combination of athleticism and arm strength among the Florida prep crop this year, exceeded perhaps only by Keyvius Sampson. Heller often sat in the 88-92 mph range with his fastball this spring, but at other times he showed exceptional stuff, with some reports he was hitting 97 mph and regular readings of 94-95 early. Heller has projection in his frame, so those radar-gun readings should become more consistent in the future. He uses a high three-quarters slot to throw an average curveball and nascent changeup. Heller's secondary pitches need work, both in terms of command and sharpness. So does his deliberate delivery, which was exposed in Sebring by opposing basestealers. Some scouts have concern that he has something of a head whack in his delivery that may be difficult to smooth out. It might take first three-round money to buy Heller out of his Gators commitment, as both his brothers went to school in Gainesville, as does his older brother.

Download our app

Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone