5 best pitching prospects for teams to target in the 2020 MLB Draft

The 2020 MLB Draft is finally here. Over the next two days, 160 players will hear their names called in a short, two-day five-round draft.

The 2020 MLB Draft will be different this year, but there’s a lot to be excited about for tonight. Highly touted infield prospects Spencer Torkelson and Austin Martin are expected to be the top two picks.

Following the top two picks, there’s a good class of pitching prospects. Four of those prospects ranked in the top 10 of MLB’s top draft prospects list. It’s unusual to see that many pitchers be ranked so high, but it adds to the excitement of the draft.

Here are the top pitching prospects you should know. If anything, these five aspiring pitchers could be gone within the first 15 picks of the first round. Let’s meet our first pitching prospect from Texas A&M.

MLB Draft best pitching prospect No. 1: Asa Lacy 

Age: 21
Throws: L
Height 6′ 4″
Weight 215 pounds
School: Texas A&M

With Asa Lacy’s size and frame his fastball reaches 97 mph, with a slider and a strong changeup. There is no doubt that Lacy is the best college pitcher in this class.

The Miami Marlins will likely grab the left-handed pitcher with the third overall pick. He would fit nicely in a rotation that already has Sixto Sanchez and Edward Cabrera. Those pitchers could become impact stars Miami has been desperate for.

If Lacy falls into the Marlins laps, he could surpass Jeff Granger as the highest selection in Aggie’s history.

MLB Draft best pitching prospect No. 2: Emerson Hancock

Age: 21
Throws: R
Height 6′ 4″
Weight 213 pounds
School: Georgia

Emerson Hancock was a strong candidate to go No.1 overall, but he’s still one of the top prospects in the draft. Hancock’s breakout season was in 2019, finishing with a 1.99 ERA, 97 strikeouts in 90.1 innings. Even though the right-hander is a safe bet, he wasn’t his sharpest during the brief 2020 season.

Hancock is comparable to Casey Mize, the first pick of the 2018 MLB Draft. Both pitchers played in the SEC, and they have similar builds. They pound the strike zone very well, but Hancock’s best offering to teams is a fastball in the 94-97 mph range.

The Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates could very well select the Georgia prospect.

MLB Draft best pitching prospect No. 3: Reid Detmers

Age: 20
Throws: L
Height 6′ 2″
Weight 210 pounds
School: Louisville

In 2017, Reid Detmers was named one of Illinois’ best high school pitching prospects. Detmers committed to Louisville following his tenure in high school. Aside from Asa Lacy, Detmers is another well-polished left-handed pitcher.

The All-American built up quite the resume at the NCAA level. Detmer’s career at Louisville was 20-6 with a 3.20 ERA. He struck 284 batters, which ranks fourth-best in program history. Furthermore, he established two new school single-season records in 2019. He set the record for strikeouts (167) and wins in a season (13).

This pick would be perfect for the Colorado Rockies, who need to build up a pitching rotation for the future.

MLB Draft best pitching prospect No. 4: Max Meyer

Age: 21
Throws: R
Height 6′ 0″
Weight 180 pounds
School: Minnesota

Max Meyer solidified himself as one of the top arms in the draft. At Minnesota, Meyer had a solid spring with a 1.95 ERA and 46 strikeouts. His fastball can reach up to 100 mph, and his changeup showed flashes of promise.

He’s undersized at 6’0,” but Meyer has electrifying stuff with smooth mechanics. Meyer could very well become a dominant pitcher in a multi-inning role. Bats like Nick Gonzales and Zac Veen could come into the picture, but Meyer could be the guy for Toronto.

MLB Draft best pitching prospect No. 5: Mick Abel 

Age: 18
Throws: R
Height 6′ 5″
Weight 190 pounds
School: Jesuit High School (Signed with Oregon State)

Mick Abel is the only high school pitcher on this list. There is some buzz around the 18-year old who made a lot of noise before committing to college.

Abel helped his high school win the state title while being named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. His fastball already reaches 95 mph and an effective slider that reaches 86 mph.

The Oregon State recruit would make a good home with the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds could add him with Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene as future pieces to the pitching rotation. But, MLB’s final mock draft has the flame thrower going to the Boston Red Sox.