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: Brady Singer
Position: RHP
School: University of Florida
Rank on Draft Top 200: 2
DOB: 08/04/1996
Bats: R
Throws: R
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats (through 2018 regular season)
13 G, 88.0 IP, 10-1, 2.25 ERA, 92 K, .186 AVG
Scouting report
Singer has been able to pitch with top college talent like A.J. Puk, the No. 6 overall pick in 2016, and Alex Faedo, who went No. 18 last June, at the University of Florida. After playing a pivotal role in helping the Gators win a national title, and pitching better than Faedo in many ways, it was Singer's turn to be the Florida ace. At first it seemed like Singer would have the chance to be the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft, but a slow start to his junior season knocked him down a peg.
Singer checks off all of the boxes teams are looking for out of a potential top pick. Long and lean, he has a terrific pitcher's body that has thus far proven to be durable. He'll throw his fastball up to 95-96 mph consistently, with plus life. His slider plays well off of his fastball, a second above-average pitch he manipulates in terms of depth and velocity. His changeup continues to improve and should give him a third above-average offering. He commands the ball well, gets high marks for his makeup and is a plus competitor.
Both Puk and Faedo entered into their Draft seasons as potential 1-1 selections, but they didn't perform quite well enough to go in that top spot, and in some ways Singer followed suit. His stuff was bouncing back as the Draft approached, so don't expect him to slide too far down boards.
MLB comp: Aaron Nola
Fun fact: Singer struck out 12 LSU batters in Game 1 of the College World Series Finals last year, the most strikeouts by any pitcher in a College World Series Finals game since the event moved to a best-of-three series in 2003. Singer's 12 strikeouts also set a Florida school record for most strikeouts in any College World Series game.
He said it: "It was awesome. I think we both came out with an edge. We both knew it was a big game. I don't think either one of us let it get to us. … I honestly didn't look up [at the scouts]. I knew they were here. I knew it would be a big turnout. But I didn't really look up -- I was just trying to go out there and have a good game, compete and win." -- On outdueling Auburn right-hander Casey Mize, the No. 1 overall 2018 Draft prospect, in front of more than 60 MLB scouts in April
They said it: "We went up against who I believe to be maybe the best pitcher I've seen in the SEC for an opponent since I've been the coach at LSU. He reminds me so much of [former LSU great] Aaron Nola, it's scary ... I think the guy will be the first pick in the Draft next year." -- LSU head coach Paul Mainieri, after Singer beat LSU in Game 1 of the 2017 CWS Finals