Joey Wentz, Shawnee Mission East High School (KS)
Position(s): LHP, 1B, RF
Ht/Wt: 6’5/210
B/T: Left/Left
DOB: 10/6/1997
Wentz came into the showcase/tournament circuit last year as a top-hitting prospect. He showed prodigious power, winning the Home Run Derby before the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.
However, when the season started and he was into the mid 90s with a promising breaking ball, evaluators decided Wentz’s future was on the mound.
While his velocity dipped as the season wore on, Wentz pitched mainly in the low 90s while touching 96 mph. He shows both a curveball and a changeup, with a potential three pitch mix as well as a repeatable delivery.
He reminds me of Cole Hamels in his build and delivery, though that’s not to say he’ll go on to be as good as the Texas Rangers’ lefty.
It appeared Wentz pitched himself into the top half of the first round, potentially the top 10, early in the spring. However, with his fastball now sitting near 90, teams are shying away from the Virginia commit. He’d likely require an over-slot deal to sign outside of the top 10.
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