MLB Draft: How far along is the Class of 2016 today?

Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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30 JUN 2016: 2016 first round pick T.J. Zeuch of the Blue Jays during the Gulf Coast League (GCL) game between the GCL Blue Jays and the GCL Tigers East at Tigerstown Complex in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

21. Toronto Blue Jays: T.J. Zeuch, RHP, Pittsburgh

The Blue Jays took University of Pittsburgh right-hander T.J. Zeuch with their late first-round pick. The 6-foot-7 starter was coming off a strong college season and intrigued scouts thanks to his size and mid-90s fastball. Zeuch’s best pitch is his heavy sinker, that comes with even more late action thanks to his height.

Zeuch suffered a groin injury in the early going of his 2016 NCAA season and then dealt with a back injury in 2017, his first full season as a professional. The 23-year-old has been healthy since, however, and has compiled a strong track record as he climbs to the upper levels of the minor leagues. He has a career ERA of 3.40 in a shade under 300 innings. Zeuch topped 100 innings for the first time last season and turned in a 3.08 ERA in 21 starts at Double-A.

The sinker is the best pitch for Zeuch, and he uses it to generate groundballs at an extremely high rate — well over 50 percent last season. His curveball is his best secondary pitch, and he continues to work on developing his slider and changeup into useful offerings.

The Jays will likely give Zeuch a chance to make his MLB debut before the end of this season. He has gotten good results in the minor leagues despite a lack of a true swing-and-miss pitch. The big righty pitches to contact and gets by thanks to his good command and ability to induce weak contact. Zeuch isn’t a future ace, but should make a more than serviceable number-four starter.

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