Jacob Heatherly is an underrated prep left-handed pitcher from Alabama, who’s name is swirling in MLB First-Year Player Draft chatter.
A fierce competitor on the mound, Heatherly possesses a four-pitch mix, featuring a fastball, curveball, slider and changeup. All four pitches are at least average offerings, which is unusual for a prep pitcher to have.
At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Heatherly locates his pitches well and isn’t afraid to attack hitters inside. While he has quality secondary offerings, his mid-90s fastball is his best pitch.
Heatherly refined his curveball last off-season and it has turned into a quality outpitch for him this spring.
“It’s been working well this season,” said Heatherly about his curveball. “It’s been better than it was last summer. It has a lot more bite to it. It has a downward plane to it. It’s been a big weapon for me.”
A University of Alabama commit, MLB.com ranks Heatherly as the 45th-best prospect in June’s MLB Draft.
Heatherly hasn’t had a private workout for a team yet, but plans on doing so once his high school season is over. Right now, he’s determined to lead Cullman High School (Ala.) deep into postseason play.
“I’m focused on the playoffs,” Heatherly said. “Ready to make a state championship run.”
Read my first MLB Draft profile on Jacob Heatherly here.
Find more MLB Draft coverage here.
