Scouting the 2020 Draft: Jared Kelley

Jared Kelly RHP, HS.  6'2", 200 lbs.

Every year, the draft seems to feature at least one hard throwing high school pitcher from Texas.  This year's model is Jared Kelley.  His frame is noticeably more stout than Mike Abel's which many analysts interpret as having less upside.  On the other hand, how much more upside to you need if you can hit 99 MPH on the radar gun now?  Kelley's best secondary pitch is changeup which comes out of the same slot as the FB.  He has a curveball, but it is less of an out pitch right now than the changeup.  I like pitchers with sturdier frames.  I believe they have lower injury risk although I don't have numbers to back that up.  I think you could almost flip a coin between Abel and Kelley but I might prefer the kid with the sturdier frame despite possibly more limited upside.  Both HS pitchers are likely to move down boards as the draft cycle progresses while less risky college pitchers move up.

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DrB's Updated 2020 Draft Board:

1.  Austin Martin SS, College(Vanderbilt).
2.  Spencer Torkelson 1B, College(Arizona St).
3.  Emerson Hancock RHP, College(Georgia).
4.  Jared Kelley RHP, HS.
5.  Mick Abel RHP, HS.