D-Backs select Miami ace Slade Cecconi No. 33 overall
With the 33rd pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Slade Cecconi, a right-handed pitcher out of Miami.
The Hurricanes product has one of the longest track records of being scouted among the college arms available. Highly touted out of high school and seemingly a lock to go in the first round, Cecconi's spring was cut short due to an injury, and he wound up slipping to the 38th round in 2018.
After one-and-a-half seasons, the draft-eligible sophomore is somewhat of an enigma but has flashed dominance enough to make scouts believe his stuff can play at the big-league level.
Bio
Age: 21
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 219 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Miami
Pick value: $2,202,200
Tools
- Fastball (96 mph)
- Slider (55-grade)
- Curveball (45-grade)
- Changeup (45-grade)
Why you're going to love this guy
- Throws strikes
- Elite arm strength
- Devastating fastball-slider combo
- Entire repertoire can look above average at times
- Likened to Kumar Rocker, Ethan Hankins out of high school
Things he'll need to overcome
- Developing consistent third and fourth pitches
- Velocity decreased prior to pandemic
2020 stats
| IP (G) | ERA | K% | K/BB | HR/9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.1 (4) | 3.80 | 33% | 30/7 | 0.8 |
Take a look ...
(Video source: Perfect Game)