With the 2018 Draft fast approaching (June 4-6 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
:: 2018 Draft coverage ::
Name: Ryan Rolison
Position: LHP
School: Ole Miss
Rank on Draft Top 200: 17
DOB: 07/11/1997
Bats: R
Throws: L
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
14 G, 82.0 IP, 8-4, 3.95 ERA, 98 K, .251 AVG
Scouting report
Scouts considered Rolison one of the most polished high school left-handers in the 2016 Draft, but his determination to attend the University of Mississippi dropped him to the Padres in the 37th round. He emerged as the Rebels' most reliable starter in the second half of his freshman season in '17 and starred in the Cape Cod League during the summer, putting himself in position to join the Red Sox's Thomas Pomeranz as the only players in school history to be selected in the first round. Rolison has maintained that status despite being slightly inconsistent this spring.
Rolison has one of the best curveballs in the Draft, with sharp break, power and depth. He works in the low 90s with his fastball, can hit 95 mph when he needs to and locates his heater to either side of the plate. The collegiate southpaw also mixes in a slider with some tilt and a changeup with some fade.
Add in his athleticism, strong build and easy delivery, and Rolison has everything he needs to remain a starter at the next level. His stuff and control have improved in each of the past two years, and he has even more room for growth. Rolison has extra leverage as a Draft-eligible sophomore.
MLB comp:Christopher Wilson
Fun fact: Rolison won a gold medal at the 18-and-under World Cup as a member of Team USA.
He said it: "It's been tough to completely block out all of the Draft hype, but my teammates deserve all of my attention, so it would be selfish of me to focus on the Draft after all we have been through. It comes down to getting better each day and working for our team goals as a team."
They said it: "Ryan has been a tremendous leader for us this year. There's not many high-profile type of guys that can manage all of the things that go along with being a potential high Draft pick, but he's handled it well and has made a huge difference for us this season."
-- Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco