Draft profile: Jon Harris
*** With the 2015 First-Year Player Draft fast approaching, we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class. ***
Name: Jon Harris
Position: RHP
School: Missouri State
Rank on Draft Top 100: 10
DOB: 10/15/1993
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6'4" Weight: 190 lbs.
Tools
Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale
30: Well below average
40: Below average
50: Average
60: Above average
70-80: Well above average
Fastball: 65
Curveball: 55
Slider: 55
Changeup: 50
Control: 50
Overall: 55
Stats
Games: 13
IP: 89 1/3
Record: 7-1
ERA: 1.91
H: 63
K's: 105
BB: 32
Average against: .196
Scouting report
In a spring in which many of the top pitching prospects have either gotten hurt or regressed, Harris has been a pleasant surprise. He has boosted his stock as much as any pitcher with the exception of UC Santa Barbara's Dillon Tate and looks poised to become the second-highest selection ever out of Missouri State, trailing only Ross Detwiler (No. 6 overall in 2007).
A 33rd-round choice by the Blue Jays out of a Missouri high school three years ago, Harris took a step forward in the Cape Cod League last summer and has continued to improve as a junior. He works comfortably at 92-94 mph with his fastball, and it plays up because it has run and sink and he uses his height to deliver it on a nice downhill plane. He has added some strength and his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame still has room for more, so he could pick up more velocity.
His curveball, slider and changeup are all plus pitches at times. Harris has power and depth on his breaking balls, and he has made huge strides with his changeup and trusts it more than before. He also has improved his command and is doing a better job of pitching inside with his fastball.
MLB comp: Ross Detwiler
Fun fact: Harris didn't allow a home run over 98 1/3 regular-season innings.
He said it: "It allowed me to continue my education and to better myself as a baseball player and as an individual. My mentality's a lot better. I'm more locked in." -- Harris on not signing out of high school, via the Springfield News-Leader
They said it: "He's one of the best in the country and when he's on like that, he's almost unhittable."
-- Teammate Justin Paulsen after Harris fanned 11 over eight innings against Wichita State in early May, via the Springfield News-Leader