The 2016 Major League Baseball is now just one week away, which makes this the perfect time to review players who may be available for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round; the club holds three selections in the first 36 picks.
Overall, the Dodgers have plenty of options available in terms of which strategy they wish to utilize. Los Angeles drafted top talents with their first two picks last year, only for Walker Buehler to undergo Tommy John surgery, and the Kyle Funkhouser to return to Louisville.
The 2016 draft profiles begin with a look at college pitchers who have been connected to the Dodgers in several mock drafts.
Justin Dunn, Boston College
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6’2/190
B/T: Switch/Right
DOB: 9/22/1995
The odds on favorite for the Dodgers’ first pick, Dunn has been mocked to Los Angeles by both ESPN’s Keith Law and MLB’s Jonathan Mayo. The Boston College righty was previously selected by the Dodgers in the 37th round of the 2013 draft, and while the scouting director has changed, it seems the club’s interest hasn’t waned.
Dunn has had an odd career path for a potential first-rounder. He barely pitched as a freshman, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen, totaling seven appearances (four starts) and pitching just 12.1 innings.
As a sophomore, Dunn saw his role on the team grow, as he appeared in 20 games and served as the Eagles’ closer, recording five saves; he also made three starts that year. This season, Dunn again started in the bullpen but moved to the rotation in the middle of the year.
He faced quality competition in starts against Louisville (currently ranked No. 5 in the nation) and Virginia (currently No. 12) and pitched very well, allowing just one run over a combined 11 innings. Overall, Dunn has posted a 1.22 ERA in 44.1 innings, allowing one home run, with 15 walks and 46 strikeouts.
Dunn isn’t overly physical, listed at a seemingly generous 6’2 and 184 lbs. However, he has a big fastball thanks to a very quick arm and should be considered a power pitcher. His fastball ranges from 91-95 mph with late life that bores in on right-handed hitters.
Dunn shows solid command of the pitch, driving it down in the zone and to both sides of the plate. His go-to secondary pitch is a hard slider which features short, late bite in the mid 80s. He can throw it for a strike and as a chase pitch.
The rest of Dunn’s repertoire isn’t as polished, as he throws a curveball as a get-me-over pitch and rarely uses his changeup, though the change has some potential. He was using a pitch in a recent outing that could be classified as a two-seam fastball or splitter, which induced some awkward swings. Dunn is a good athlete and holds his velocity well.
Last year, UCSB righty Dillon Tate went fourth overall to the Texas Rangers. Like Dunn, Tate spent most of his collegiate career in relief but always had the stuff and athleticism to start.
Dunn doesn’t project as well, but if the changeup or curve develops and he continues to improve his command, he could end up as a No. 2 or 3 starter.
CONTINUE READING: Additional pitching options
