The Cubs selected RHP Jake Stinnett from Maryland, with the first of what should be several pitchers, in the second round (45th overall) of the draft. The College senior was originally a two-way player (third base) and only started pitching full time as a junior.
Jake Stinnett is a senior and should sign for less than $1,250,400 that was assigned to the Cubs second round pick.
Jake Stinnett moved into the rotation at Maryland last year after beginning the season as the team’s closer. Stinnett hit 93 mph a year ago but decided to return to Maryland for his senior season after the Pirates selected him in the 29th round of the draft.
Stinnett made improvement this season. His fastball velocity increased to the mid-90s. Stinnett has hit 97 mph with his fastball that sits in the 92-95 mph range with above average life and plenty of sink. He throws a hard slider (78-83 mph with a down-and-out break) and a changeup. Stinnett throws from a low-ish 3/4 arm slot and controls the zone.
Jake Stinnett is 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with good extension on his delivery that has some effort to it.
Stinnett and Maryland take on Virginia this weekend in the programs first trip to the Super Regional.
Jake Stinnett Video
Jake Stinnett threw a no-hitter in March and outpitched Carlos Rodon (third overall pick to the White Sox) in a game in March. Stinnett posted a 2.65 ERA with 130 strikeouts and 27 walks in 112 innings. Stinnett leads the ACC, and is third in the nation, in strikeouts. And he is now holds the record for the most strikeouts in a single-season in school history.