LA Angels 2017 Mock Draft

Round One, Pick Ten Selection: Alex Faedo

Age: 21 years, five months

Position: Right-handed pitcher

School: University of Florida

Height/Weight: 6″5’/ 225 lbs.

The LA Angels, barring a slip for high school phenom Hunter Greene, have to choose a college arm at number ten. Alex Faedo is not the flashiest name in this draft, but he has the potential to be the best pitcher from this draft. In 2014, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the 2014 Draft, but chose a collegiate path instead. He pitched behind future top picks in every season he spent with the Gators, but he may be the best of the bunch.

Faedo uses three pitches, a fastball, slider, and a changeup. His fastball is refined beyond his age and is MLB-ready due to the cutting, sinking action that it features. His velocity sat in the mid-90’s last year, but two knee surgeries hurt his velocity a bit, as it now rests at around 92 MPH. However, that lost speed can be regained along his development.

His slider is on the same level of his fastball. It is undoubtedly the best in the class, and will his premier strikeout pitch in the majors. It sits mid-80’s, and Faedo has shown he is comfortable throwing it in any count or any situation.

His third pitch is a changeup, and is the biggest wild card in his development. His changeup is needed as a second strikeout pitch, one that can be effective against left-handed hitters. It is above-average, but will need to be even better if he plans on being a three-pitch hurler.

Faedo’s floor is that of a major league starter. He has the polish, frame, and track record to make that claim. His ceiling is that of a major league ace. He has excellent command of all three pitchers, and should make his way through the minor leagues relatively fast.