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: Carter Stewart
Position: RHP
School: Eau Gallie High School, Fla.
Rank on Draft Top 200: 5
DOB: 11/2/1999
Bats: R
Throws: R
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 200 lbs.
College commitment: Mississippi State
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 65 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
11 G, 61 2/3 IP, 6-4, 0.91 ERA, 128 K
Scouting report
Stewart jumped on the radar with a strong summer showcase circuit showing at a number of events. When he came out this spring even better, and with more velocity, he made a huge leap to near the top of many Draft boards.
With a projectable 6-foot-6 frame, there was always the thought that there might be more in Stewart's tank in the future. Evidently, the future is now. He has been as lights out as any prep arm in the country, coming out of the gate throwing up to 98 mph. The right-hander touches 96-97 mph in just about every start and easily sits at 92-94 mph. He has one of the best breaking balls in the class, a power curve that is now a mid-80s hammer. While Stewart's changeup is behind right now -- and he occasionally slows his arm down -- he has feel for it and it should be a solid pitch in the future.
While some evaluators have expressed mild concern with Stewart's deep arm action in the back, the young hurler has shown he can fill up the strike zone with two plus pitches. The Mississippi State commit has moved into the top of the first-round conversation, with some thinking he would be a candidate to go No. 1 overall if it weren't for the fact a high school right-hander has never been taken with the top pick.
MLB comp:Rick Porcello
Fun fact: Though Stewart is from central Florida, he is a fan of the defending World Series champion Astros, and has been since the club lost 111 games in 2013. His favorite player is reigning American League Most Valuable Player Jose Altuve.
He said it: "It's kind of surreal. You watch [MLB] games as a kid, especially since it wasn't that long ago. I was just thinking, it would be a dream to play on that field. Now knowing I have a legitimate chance, ... it's an incredible feeling."
They said it: "The pressure doesn't matter to him. He just considers it playing the game of baseball. He thrives under it."
-- Eau Gallie High School baseball coach Bob Collins, to USA TODAY Sports