Kevin Gowdy: Not focused on draft attention

This is a follow-up article to my original feature article on Kevin Gowdy that I did earlier in the year. You can read the first article here.

Kevin Gowdy is not a typical high school pitcher. With advanced command and polished mechanics, Gowdy is regarded as a likely first round pick in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft, which begins June 9.

Gowdy has a free and easy delivery, along with a great feel for pitching. A 6-foot-4, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, Gowdy has an outstanding three-pitch mix that is uncommon for high school hurlers.

His pitching repertoire consists of three above average pitches. He throws a low-90s fastball, a slider with good bite and a changeup that he displays advanced command of.

A UCLA signee, Gowdy displayed his ability to be effective on the mound this season, averaging over a strikeout per inning.

“Really just going after hitters,” Gowdy said of his strikeout numbers. “I’m not trying to fall behind and nibble much. That’s when you have to throw a hitters pitch. Really just getting ahead with the fastball or slider. Once I’m ahead, I’ve been able to throw my pitch instead of a hitters pitch.”

Gowdy has exceptional command and pitchability, along with high potential. Although, Gowdy has an already impressive three-pitch mix, it still has room to get better.

Physically, his lanky frame and wide shoulders allow him room to still fill in, which will only help him has he moves along in his career.

Due to his strong work ethic and intangibles, Gowdy is a pitcher who could move through a minor league system quickly, compared to usual high school arms.

He has the potential to be a starting pitcher in the major leagues one day. Now, it’s just a matter of a team giving him a chance and selecting him in June’s MLB Draft.

Despite the attention associated with the draft, Gowdy hasn’t left it affect him.

“I try to not pay attention to it too much,” Gowdy said. “I haven’t really felt the pressure from it for awhile. I use to get nervous, like during my sophomore year, when scouts were at games. You find away to deal with it and not pay attention to it. Over the years I’ve grown comfortable with it. They’ve been pretty much at every game so I don’t really notice them anymore. I’m just going to let what ever happens happens.”

Find more MLB Draft coverage here.

Over the last few months I’ve interviewed 31 of the top MLB Draft prospects. Read my profiles on these draft prospects here.

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